Joe Polyak December 15, 2020
There are 9 things that you should look for while you prepare your home for sale.
How does the exterior of the house look? How’s the lawn look? Is it manicured? How does the paint on the house look? Is it grungy or is it in good shape? How about the front door? How about the windows? First impressions have a lasting impact, so consider these things while you prepare your home for the market.
If you’re walking into a home with awful floors that are run down then it’s worth putting work into them. Or maybe they’re hardwood, do they need to be sanding and staining? With carpet, it shouldn’t have odor or stains. Should it be replaced or removed? Do you have tile that needs to be regrouted or potentially replaced? What about any laminate or linoleum? Floors are really important. It’s oftentimes the first place people look when they’re opening the door to the property.
The ceiling should be updated and the walls should have a fresh coat of painting with clean and updated windows. Don’t miss this when you prepare your home!
This is honestly something that a lot of people miss out on. It’s too easy to forget about light switches, light switch covers, outlet covers, etc. Oftentimes, even if they’re not old, there will be minor damage. These are very inexpensive updates that you can fix with very little cost.
These should be modern and/or newly updated. Fixtures are also typically an inexpensive thing that can make a big difference in the overall feeling of the home.
For example, doorknobs, door hinges, and door handles. Make sure each of these is clean, matching, and updated while you prepare your home.
Old tile, mold, and stains will make bathrooms look really bad. Replace toilets, old tiles, and repaint the tub if necessary. While these take work and time, they are also relatively inexpensive.
Maybe consider repainting cabinets, replacing the hinges, and changing out countertops. Take note of kitchen appliances too. If they seem worn, dirty, smelly, or greasy then put the effort in to clean them up. If they still look old, or if they have damage then look into replacing them.
Similar to curb appeal, the backyard needs to make a good impression on potential home buyers. Is the lawn bright with healthy grass or stone and pebbles? You can also consider bark or mulch, or something similar that makes it feel comfortable and aestetically pleasing for guests.
Now, the purpose of this blog (and the video below) is for people with homes that have not been through a recent renovation or remodel. However, most homes are fairly dated and haven’t been remodeled for at least 10 -15 years. These recommendations are great for those types of homes! They provide affordable ways to freshen up the spaces in your home.
I hope this breakdown was helpful. If you have any questions, I hope that you reach out to me! I’m constantly posting relevant information on the San Francisco real estate market. Please follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube!
Watch the video below for “9 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Home Buyers”!
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Santa Clara County Market Update
June 12, 2025
As we move through the heart of spring, Santa Clara's real estate market continues to show signs of strength and resilience. Whether you’re considering listing your ho… Read more
San Mateo Market Update
June 12, 2025
As we head into the busy spring market, San Mateo’s housing landscape remains competitive. With inventory staying tight and homes selling quickly, both buyers and sell… Read more
San Francisco
June 10, 2025
May is shaping up to be a dynamic month in the San Francisco housing market. With steady inventory, quick sales, and strong buyer interest, both buyers and sellers nee… Read more
Bay Area
June 6, 2025
Summer is officially here in the San Francisco Bay Area, and so is an incredible lineup of events to enjoy! From Pride celebrations to historic races and family-friend… Read more
Alameda Market Update
May 29, 2025
Alameda’s housing market continues to hold strong this spring, with low inventory and high buyer demand defining the landscape. If you’re planning to buy or sell in th… Read more
Contra Costa Market Update
May 28, 2025
As we step further into spring, Contra Costa County is experiencing a dynamic real estate landscape marked by strong buyer interest and limited inventory. Let’s break … Read more
Santa Clara County Market Update
May 23, 2025
As we move further into spring, the Santa Clara housing market continues to reflect strong buyer activity and limited inventory. Whether you're preparing to sell your … Read more
San Mateo Market Update
May 21, 2025
The San Mateo housing market continues to show strong momentum as we head into the second quarter of 2025. For both buyers and sellers, understanding the latest data … Read more
san francisco market update
May 16, 2025
As we dive into Q2 of 2025, San Francisco’s housing market continues to show strong demand and limited supply—factors that are shaping this high-stakes seller’s market… Read more
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.