Top 5 Things to Do Before Putting Your House on the Market

Thinking about selling your home? It’s a big step — and one that can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The truth is, there’s a lot that goes into getting your home ready to attract the right buyers and get the best price. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Hi, I’m Ashley Mateo, your local real estate expert and neighbor. Over the years, I’ve helped many homeowners prepare their properties for the market and navigate the selling process from start to finish. My mission is simple — make selling your home as smooth, stress-free, and successful as possible.

Here are the top 5 things you should do before listing your home — and how I can guide you through each one so you’re confident, prepared, and ready for a great sale.

1. Declutter and Depersonalize

Buyers need to picture themselves living in your home — and that’s hard to do if it’s filled with too many personal items. I’ll walk through your home with you, offering an objective eye and practical tips on what to keep, store, or rearrange. I can also connect you with trusted local organizers or staging pros to make the process quick and easy.

2. Deep Clean Every Corner

A spotless home says “well maintained” — and that can mean more appealing offers. I’ll point out the areas buyers tend to notice most and share my go-to cleaning resources so your home shines from the first showing to the final walkthrough.

3. Make Minor Repairs and Touch-Ups

Not every repair is worth doing before you sell — but some can make a huge difference. I’ll help you prioritize improvements that matter most in today’s market and connect you with reliable contractors to handle the work efficiently and affordably.

4. Boost Your Curb Appeal

Your home’s exterior is the very first thing buyers see — and it can set the tone for the entire showing. I’ll share easy, cost-effective curb appeal ideas that work well in our area, and help you bring them to life with my network of landscaping and handyman contacts.

5. Stage for Success

Staging can highlight your home’s best features and help buyers fall in love with the space. Whether it’s rearranging furniture, adding a few fresh touches, or bringing in a professional stager, I’ll guide you on the right approach to make your home picture-perfect.

Bottom Line:

Selling a home is about more than putting up a “For Sale” sign — it’s about presenting it in a way that inspires buyers to say “yes.” With me by your side, you’ll have expert advice, local market insight, and hands-on help every step of the way.

If you’re thinking about selling, let’s chat. I’d be happy to walk you through the process, connect you with the right resources, and help you get your home ready for a successful sale.