18 Home Prep Tips for 2023

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If you want to maximize the bang for your buck, here’s a few pointers to appeal to a wide range of Buyers and get you out ahead of the pack. 

Simplify the base color scheme – Paint is one of the cheapest and most reliable ways to boost your homes value. Keep it simple and light. For interiors, white or off white is the way to go. Very light grays for walls will work but always a white ceiling. The trim should always be a brighter white than the walls. Trim should have a semi gloss. All walls and ceilings except the bathrooms should be matte/flat – yes, even the kitchen. It’s best to go with what looks good in architectural photography. A subtle eggshell sheen in bathrooms is best. Save the color pops for staging and accessories. 

See through furniture – In most cases we want spaces to feel larger than they are. Consider furniture like accent chairs and tables (coffee table, dining table) that have legs and glass tops to make your space feel larger and more open. 

Big accents – Don’t be afraid to go bold with accent pieces, whether it be wall art or throw pillows. Pieces throughout should complement each other and the overall style of the home. A good stager can help.

Furniture away from walls – Try to minimize chairs and sofas backed up to walls. Even in a small space floating furniture can make a room feel larger.

Skip window coverings – There is no agreed upon “right choice” for window coverings. Whatever you choose you’re bound to turn off some Buyers. It’s OK to have window coverings in bedrooms if they complement your design, but it’s best to go without in most living areas. You can always soften a space with other staging items, like throw pillows and rugs. 

Natural light – Try to minimize anything that blocks natural light including window coverings. Trees or bushes outside that block light should be trimmed unless they’re blocking something unsightly. Windows should be sparkling clean. 

Cozier vibes – Now more than ever, people want to feel a sense of warmth and comfort. Even a modern design can feel cozy with some natural wood and throw pillows. Avoid an overly sterile look.

Lighting – Lighting can easily get expensive. Ideally most living areas would have recessed lighting. Bedrooms and dining rooms are best changed to drum style fixtures - modern yet soft, neutral, and inexpensive. A modern dining fixture can be appropriate but choose carefully.

Hardware – People notice what they touch or are going to touch. Kitchen and bath hardware can be easily updated for a relatively small cost and give a more modern look. The front door should always be freshly painted and have new hardware if there’s any sign of wear. Interior door hardware is third on the list but can make an unexpected difference. 

Plumbing Fixtures – A good looking kitchen or bathroom faucet can go a long way to making a good impression. They don’t have to be top of the line, but they should look luxurious.

Light switches – Again, people notice what they touch or think about touching. It’s often subconscious, but modern bright white switches make a place feel updated and clean for not much money. Changing outlets to a modern bright white is recommended also.

Flooring – If you have hardwood flooring, consider refinishing them if needed. Carpeting is less desirable but acceptable in bedrooms. Carpeting almost always needs to be replaced. If you have hardwood under an existing carpet, expose and refinish them.

Home office – It’s no surprise that home offices are the new high demand item. Even if you don’t have a dedicated office, consider where a small desk might fit to help paint a picture for potential buyers.

Outdoor living – Now more popular than ever, is a desire to blend outdoor and indoor spaces. Even if your outdoor space is limited try to create a luxurious relaxing space. A couple of Adirondack chairs or a colorful umbrella can go a long way.

Less is more – We all live with more “stuff” than we want to see in a model home. Declutter, and declutter some more. Quick tip - don’t think about what you should take out of a space, take everything out and think about what you should put back. 

Clean – People notice other people’s dirt. Not only do they notice it but they’re turned off by it. Houses on the market need to be spotless… clean, clean, clean.

Kitchen – White kitchens are in with buyers. Consider painting non-white cabinets white and putting in a light-colored countertop. Stainless appliances also sell houses. You can usually manage with economical stainless looking appliances depending on the property price point.

Staging – No one wants to spend money on staging, but it pays you back. Don’t assume Buyers will have vision – by painting the right picture you’re way ahead of the game. Staging works.

Of course, not every property needs everything, but if maximizing the sale price is important, a property needs to be presented in the very best light. 

Any property will sell with a low enough price, but if you want top dollar nearly every home can benefit from a fresh set of eyes and a few tweaks. We're here to help with customized recommendations to fit your budget.