1. Considering all things equal, the most well maintained house on the block will get the best deal. Well maintained means clean, decluttered, tastefully furnished, energy efficient appliances, upgraded kitchen and bathrooms, welcoming curb appeal, newer roof, everything functions properly and no structural damages or deteriorations. In short it is a house that is loved and cared for. Maintaining your house is not an easy task though. Most of us cannot keep up with fixing everything as the house wears and tears. So my recommendation is to maintain it as much as we can while we live in it and enjoy them. Then do a little more before selling to get the best deal.

2. Unless you're selling your house as a fixer-upper or in "as-is" condition, if your house is not sparkling clean you're leaving money on the table. Among all the preparations for selling, cleaning is the least costly yet offers the highest return. I strongly recommend getting your home professionally cleaned, both inside and out, covering every nook and cranny. If you prefer to do it yourself, be prepared for hard work, especially if deep cleaning isn't a regular habit. When I take buyers to a semi-clean house, they often can't pinpoint why they weren't impressed, but it's usually the lack of cleanliness. It's not just about them noticing dirt; it's about how they feel as they walk through, imagining themselves living there. Buyers view your house as a product they're purchasing, which costs a lot of money. Cleanliness plays a crucial role in making them feel confident about their choice.

3. Decluttering is essential. Store non-essential items in a storage unit, donate, or sell them—just don't pile them up in the garage or basement. A few neatly stacked boxes are fine, but aim to keep only essential furniture in each room. For example, in the bedroom, keep the bed with linens, nightstands with lamps, and a floor rug. I provide my clients with a detailed cleaning list and specific items to keep in each room to ensure the home looks its best.

4. When staging your home, prioritize key areas like the living room, kitchen, master bedroom, and bathrooms, as these are the most impactful for buyers. If your budget allows, consider hiring a professional stager to elevate your home’s appeal with high-quality furnishings and decor. For clients moving out before listing, I recommend leaving some furniture behind to stage select rooms. An empty house tends to feel less inviting, leading buyers to focus on wear and tear rather than envisioning their belongings in the space. Staged homes typically sell faster and at a higher price, much like model homes that are carefully furnished to showcase their potential.

5. Don’t rush to list your house. It's essential to ensure all cleaning, repairs, and updates are completed before you show it to potential buyers. The first two weeks your home is on the market are critical, as those who tour during this period are often the ones most likely to buy. For example, if you're planning to install new hardwood flooring, but it's been delayed, don’t show your home until the work is finished. Most people struggle to envision an unfinished update, and this could hurt your chances of making a sale.

6. Repairs and upgrades can be beneficial, but the scope of work depends heavily on your home's overall condition, the current market, and your specific situation. Before spending thousands on improvements, consult with your agent to determine which upgrades are truly necessary and will provide the best return on investment. For big items that you couldn’t get fixed it’s better to disclose from the beggining rather than having them find out later.