Hi friends! We recently sold our home, and because selling a house is a major decision for many this year, I asked our family friend and realtor Kelly Aufhammer—who helped sell our Seattle home—to share practical tips for preparing a house to sell.
PS. The photos in this post are the actual real estate photos of our home. We’ll share a future post with more images and explain the small staging changes we made while using the furniture and accessories we already owned.
Welcome Kelly and her husband Will to The Inspired Room!
Thinking about selling can feel overwhelming. We’re Kelly and Will Aufhammer, and we regularly help Seattle homeowners prepare properties for the market to maximize their sale price. The Inspired Room is known for homes that feel lived-in yet beautifully presented. With Melissa’s style and our preparation, her house was on the market for only six days, drew multiple offers, and sold for 25% over the list price.
There are many factors that lead to a successful sale. Here are seven practical tips to prepare your home to sell:
Whether you plan to sell in a few months or a few years, these steps will help you achieve a strong result.
1. Talk with a Realtor: Many homeowners avoid consulting an agent because their home isn’t spotless. A skilled realtor will create a tailored plan and coordinate preparation from start to finish, regardless of current condition. They’ll also schedule trusted vendors early, since many are booked far in advance.
2. De-personalize: Remove personal photos and heavily personalized decor. If you remain living in the house while it’s on the market, buyers should feel welcome to imagine their own life there rather than feeling like guests in someone else’s home. Personal items can distract from the home’s features.
3. Declutter: Selling means you’ll eventually pack and move, so start now. Sort closets, donate or discard unused items, and box belongings to store in the garage. Buyers expect to see signs you live in the home; a packed garage is better than cluttered living spaces.
4. Deep Clean: Odors, dirty baseboards, or grimy countertops can turn buyers away. A thorough clean removes barriers and helps buyers focus on the home’s positive qualities.
5. Update Light Fixtures: Replacing dated fixtures is an affordable way to refresh a home’s look. Retailers offer many budget-friendly options. Your realtor can advise on styles that create a cohesive, modern appearance.
6. Professional Photos: Most buyers begin their search online, so high-quality photos are essential. Poor images can cause buyers to skip your listing. Ask your realtor to recommend a professional photographer—excellent photography is a must.
7. Staging: In many markets, staged homes present better and often sell for more. Quality staging helps buyers visualize a finished, functional space. Be sure to hire a reputable stager—low-quality staging can backfire. Your realtor can coordinate staging and recommend trusted professionals.
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Melissa here again—thanks, Kelly! This advice was invaluable. Our sale far exceeded expectations. Over the years we’ve made our home a sanctuary while also investing in projects and maintenance that provide peace of mind and a solid return when we sell.
Even with careful preparation, a successful sale often depends on a strategic, experienced realtor who can manage the many moving parts of a real estate transaction. Buyers and market conditions can be challenging, so having a team of professionals to guide decisions and negotiate on your behalf makes a big difference.
Best of luck if you’re planning to sell soon!
Kelly and Will Aufhammer are realtors based in Seattle, Washington. If you’d like to contact them, please use the contact information they provide directly.
