When a home goes on the market, the clock starts ticking the moment a buyer walks through the door.
In many cases, buyers decide within minutes whether a space feels right, which is why preparation can make or break a showing. So what should a seller do to prepare a home? We asked several real estate experts for their perspective.
Real estate professionals say the most effective strategies don’t always involve big renovations or major spending. Instead, successful showings come down to discipline and a clear plan.
That approach paid off for Mike Bajis, who said he sold his aunt’s longtime Detroit home in just 14 days after following guidance from his agent, Gino Tozzi, of Real Estate One in Clinton Township.
“The house was filled with stuff, and once we started clearing it out, the space really opened up,” Bajis said.
Tozzi said scenarios like this are common, especially when homes have been lived in for decades or are being sold after a death.
“I teamed up with the family and coached them on what to do to get the home ready for sale,” he said. “We avoided spending money even though the home needed things, because the big items, the windows, roof and exterior were already in good shape.”
Focus on simple things like decluttering, cleaning
Rather than over-improving, Tozzi advised focusing on presentation: remove the clutter, clean and remove distractions so buyers could see the home’s potential.
In Bajis’ case, old carpeting was removed to reveal hardwood floors underneath. While the floors needed refinishing, they showed better than worn carpet.
“Hardwood floors are always appealing,” Tozzi said. “Buyers know they can refinish them later.”
Agents agree that decluttering is one of the most powerful and often overlooked tools sellers have.
“Declutter, touch up paint in high-traffic areas, and make sure everything is in working order,” said Renay Brown of Re/Max Masterpiece Realty.
“Keep the house spotless, even consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Eliminate strong odors such as cigarettes, marijuana, pet smells, or lingering food odors. Sellers often can’t detect these scents, but buyers notice immediately.”
Light and curb appeal play a crucial role in shaping a buyer’s first impression.
“Declutter, do a deep clean, and make the home bright by opening blinds and turning on all lights, said Christine Drinkwater with @properties REMI Christie’s International Real Estate. “Outside, a freshly mowed and weeded yard, clean windows and even fresh flowers are a nice touch.”
Rich Rubba, branch manager and associate broker with Real Estate One, offers a simple rule of thumb: “Prepare the house like you are expecting company. Remove clutter from every room, put away dirty laundry, make the beds and clear kitchen counters. Clean like your mother-in-law is coming over!”
Make it easy for buyers to imagine living there
Logistics matter just as much as appearance. Nathan Boji, associate broker and vice president at Re/Max Classic, says accessibility can influence buyer interest.
“First, make it easy to show. That means flexible scheduling and quick response times, Boji said. “Second, clean and declutter so buyers can see the home, not just your stuff. Third, leave during the showing. Buyers need space to imagine themselves living there.”
Ultimately, selling is as much about emotion as it is about condition.
“Think bright and welcome,” said Dan Gutfreund from Signature Sotheby’s International Realty. “We want buyers to feel good the moment they walk through the door.”
Jessica Belanger, associate broker with Re/Max Advisors, adds one final reminder for sellers: “Be mindful that buyers schedule a range of time to visit a property and may arrive anytime within that window.”
Bottom line
Homes show best when they are clean, decluttered, bright, odor-free, and easy to access.
Flexibility and giving buyers space during showings can help create a strong first impression and often lead to faster sales and stronger offers.
Brendel Clark (previously published as Brendel Hightower) writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bclark@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How you prepare your home for sale comes down to key low-cost steps
Reporting by Brendel Clark , Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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