How to Prepare Your Home for Sale—Spring Market Preview

The Twin Cities spring market kicks off in mid-February, and if you're thinking about selling, now is the time to start preparing. Homes that hit the market polished and ready consistently sell faster and for more money than those that list in a rush. Here's your game plan to get ahead of the spring competition:

Declutter and Depersonalize First. This is the single most important step, and it takes longer than you think. Start room by room—pack away family photos, kids' artwork, collections, and anything that makes the space feel uniquely "yours." Buyers need to envision themselves living there, not admire your life. Rent a storage unit if needed and get at least 30-50% of your belongings out of the house. Your home should feel spacious and neutral, not cramped and personal.

Deep Clean Everything. We're talking about the kind of clean that makes your house feel like a model home. Scrub baseboards, wash windows inside and out, steam-clean carpets, clean light fixtures and ceiling fans, wipe down cabinets, and don't forget the often-ignored spots like behind appliances and inside the oven. If deep cleaning feels overwhelming, hire professionals—it's worth every penny and pays for itself in buyer perception.

Make Critical Repairs Now. Walk through your home like a buyer would and write down every minor repair you've been ignoring: squeaky doors, scuffed walls, leaky faucets, loose cabinet handles, cracked caulk, burned-out lightbulbs. These small issues add up in buyers' minds and signal neglect. Tackle one room per weekend in January and February, and by listing time you'll be ready.

Paint Strategically. Fresh paint is one of the highest-ROI improvements you can make. Focus on rooms with bold colors, scuffed walls, or outdated trim. Stick to neutral tones—soft grays, warm whites, and greiges are universally appealing. Don't forget to paint baseboards, door frames, and any chipped or yellowed trim. A freshly painted home feels newer and better maintained.

Boost Curb Appeal. First impressions happen before buyers even walk through the door. Power-wash siding, walkways, and your driveway. Refresh mulch in flower beds, trim overgrown shrubs, and make sure your lawn is neat (or will be by spring). Paint or replace your front door if it's faded or damaged, update house numbers if they're dated, and add a new doormat and potted plants by the entrance. These small touches make a huge difference.

Update Lighting. Bright, modern lighting makes homes feel bigger, newer, and more inviting. Replace outdated light fixtures in key areas like the entryway, kitchen, and dining room. Swap out old ceiling fans for updated models. Make sure every room has adequate lighting—add floor lamps or table lamps where needed. And replace any burnt-out bulbs with bright, daylight-temperature LEDs before every showing.

Stage Key Rooms. You don't need to hire a professional stager, but you do need to make your home feel inviting. Arrange furniture to highlight space and flow—remove excess pieces if rooms feel cramped. Add fresh flowers, fluffy towels in bathrooms, and cozy throws on beds and sofas. Set the dining table as if you're hosting guests. Make your home feel aspirational but livable.

Get a Pre-Listing Inspection. This optional step can save you major headaches later. A pre-listing inspection uncovers issues before buyers do, giving you time to fix them on your terms instead of negotiating in a panic after an offer. It also signals transparency and builds buyer confidence.

Work With Your Agent Early. Don't wait until you're ready to list to connect with us. Let's walk through your home together in January or early February, identify what needs attention, and create a timeline that gets you to market at the perfect moment—not too early, not too late, but right when serious buyers are looking and competition is still manageable.

The homes that sell fastest and for top dollar aren't necessarily the biggest or fanciest—they're the ones that are move-in ready and show beautifully. Start now, and you'll be ahead of 90% of spring sellers who are still scrambling in March.