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How to Prepare Your Home for Sale and Get Top Dollar in Boise


Why Preparing Your Home for Sale Is the Key to a Faster, More Profitable Sale


If you're planning to sell your home in Boise, preparing your home for sale is one of the most important steps you can take to attract buyers, avoid price reductions, and maximize your profit. According to Barbara Corcoran, “Buyers decide in the first 8 seconds of seeing a home if they’re interested.” That means the first impression—how your home looks, smells, and feels—can make or break your sale.


Data from the Real Estate Staging Association shows that homes professionally staged sell 3 to 30 times faster and often for 5% to 15% over asking. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to get your house market-ready—from deep cleaning and staging to showings, repairs, and beyond.


🎯 First Impressions Happen Fast

From the second a buyer walks through your front door, they’re already deciding whether your home feels like the one. A dirty, cluttered, or overly personalized space can give the impression that the home hasn’t been well maintained—even if it has.

But when your home is clean, styled, and move-in ready? It becomes their dream home.


🧽 From “Home” to “House”: Detach and Declutter


Once your home hits the market, it’s no longer your cozy lived-in space—it’s a product. Buyers are evaluating it with fresh eyes. Here's how to help them see the potential:


General Prep:

  • Declutter and depersonalize every room

  • Pack up personal photos, religious items, and collectibles

  • Deep clean all surfaces, corners, windows, and floors

  • Remove or hide pet items and litter boxes

  • Let in natural light—open blinds and pull back curtains

💡 Pro Tip: Look at your home like a stranger would. Can you imagine your dream life here?


🪑 Why Staging Works (And Is Worth It)


Staging is one of the best investments you can make when preparing your home for sale. It’s not just about pretty pillows—it’s a marketing strategy that helps buyers visualize themselves living there.


Did You Know?

  • Staging costs about 1% of the sale price

  • 75% of sellers saw 5% to 15% ROI over asking

  • Staged homes sell up to 80% faster than non-staged ones

  • Unstaged homes tend to take price cuts far higher than what staging would’ve cost

Even simple staging—rearranging furniture, removing bulky items, adding light—can make a huge impact.


📋 The Ultimate Home Prep Checklist

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to focus on before listing. (Want a printable version? Download it [here].)


🌳 Exterior:

  • Touch up paint and trim

  • Power wash siding and sidewalks

  • Weed garden beds, trim bushes, and add fresh mulch

  • Add planters or flowers by the entry

  • New welcome mat = instant charm


🛋 Living Room:

  • Remove excess furniture to open up space

  • Simplify décor—less is more

  • Coffee table: one decorative centerpiece only

  • Hide cords, remotes, and personal items

  • Fluff pillows, fold throws neatly


🍽 Kitchen:

  • Clear all counters except 2-3 items (e.g., coffee maker, bowl of fruit)

  • Deep clean appliances inside and out

  • Pre-pack rarely used items

  • Wipe down cabinets and handles

  • Space bar stools and chairs evenly


🛏 Bedrooms:

  • Make beds with clean, styled linens

  • Remove clutter and excess furniture

  • Stash clothes out of sight

  • Place decorative throw pillows and blankets

  • Clean under the beds


🚿 Bathrooms:

  • Clear counters completely

  • Fresh white towels and new shower curtain

  • Add a small plant or soap pump

  • Hide toiletries and personal hygiene items

  • Scrub tile, grout, and mirrors


🔧 Repairs: Handle Issues Before They Cost You


Buyers today are looking for move-in ready homes. Small issues you’ve learned to live with can become big red flags during inspection.


🛠 The average inspection reveals 15+ items that need attention. These can lead to:

  • Requests for licensed contractors

  • Price reductions of $2,000–$2,500 or more

  • Buyers walking away entirely


Get Ahead:

  • Tackle minor repairs (loose doorknobs, leaky faucets, cracked grout)

  • Consider a pre-listing home inspection to catch surprises early

  • Invest $500 upfront to avoid costly renegotiations later


👣 Showings: Make Your Home Easy to See

Many buyers take time off work, hire childcare, or schedule multiple showings in a day. If your home isn’t available when they’re ready, they likely won’t circle back.


📅 Here’s how to stay showing-ready:

  • Keep surfaces clean and clutter-free

  • Beds made, dishes done, lights on

  • Open blinds and turn on lamps for brightness

  • Light a fresh candle or bake cookies for a welcoming scent

  • Leave for showings if possible—give buyers space to explore


🏆 Top 4 Reasons Homes Actually Sell


Let’s recap the four key factors that make homes sell quickly and for top dollar:

  1. Availability for showings – Make it easy for buyers to visit

  2. Cleanliness and organization – Present a tidy, well-maintained home

  3. Neutral staging – Help buyers envision their life in the space

  4. Upfront repairs – Eliminate deal-breaking issues early


📲 Ready to Sell? Let’s Make a Game Plan


Preparing your home for sale doesn’t have to be overwhelming—but it does need to be strategic. Whether you’re wondering what’s worth fixing or if staging is right for you, I’m here to help.


👉 Download a Free Sellers Guide Here

👉 Book your free seller consultation [here]



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