How to Get Your House Ready to Sell
If buyers notice a burned-out lightbulb… what else will they assume is broken?
🔔 Thinking of selling soon?
Book a free pre-listing consultation with Jay Hudson Homes and get a personalized, step-by-step plan on how to get your house ready to sell with zero guesswork.
When you’re figuring out how to get your house ready to sell, it’s easy to focus on the big items: price, location, and square footage. And yes, those are important but the details that actually influence buyers’ decisions are often the smallest ones.
At Jay Hudson Homes, we’ve helped countless homeowners prepare for the market. One of the most surprising truths? A few overlooked “little things” can sabotage a sale before the buyer even walks through the front door.
So if you’re asking yourself how to get your house ready to sell in today’s competitive Chattanooga market, these are the six tiny missteps that might be costing you big time.
First Impressions Are Fast and Emotional
Before we dive into the checklist, let’s set the scene.
When buyers walk into a home, they aren’t evaluating just features. They’re feeling their way through the space. Does it feel clean? Cared for? Comfortable?
And if something feels off whether it’s an odd smell, dim lighting, or a cluttered entryway they begin to question everything.
Understanding how to get your house ready to sell means understanding that buyers make emotional decisions, often based on snap impressions. Your goal is to remove every bit of friction between that front door and their offer.
6 Tiny Fixes That Make a Big Impact
Here are the most commonly missed (but incredibly important) details that can make or break the sale:
Missing Light Bulbs
Burned-out or mismatched bulbs don’t just dim a room they send a silent message that the home hasn’t been maintained. Great lighting enhances every space and helps buyers see the true potential of each room.
Jay Hudson Homes Tip: Before showings, replace every bulb. Stick with warm white LEDs for a clean, consistent glow throughout the home.
Unpleasant Smells
Nothing sends a buyer out the door faster than a home that smells like smoke, pets, or last night’s dinner. One of the key elements in learning how to get your house ready to sell is mastering the art of scent.
Jay Hudson Hudson Tip: Keep it fresh and neutral. Lightly-scented diffusers (like linen or citrus) work best. And don’t try to mask odors eliminate them at the source.
Lack of Availability
Even the most beautiful home can’t sell if no one can get in to see it. Limited showing availability frustrates buyers and creates unnecessary delays.
Jay Hudson Homes Tip: Be as flexible as possible. Let your Realtor use a lockbox, approve extended showing windows, and make your home easy to tour especially in the first 10 days. This step is often missed by sellers asking how to get your house ready to sell, but it’s one of the most important
Bold Paint Colors
You may love that deep navy accent wall, but bold or trendy paint choices often narrow your buyer pool. Neutral walls photograph better and appeal to more buyers.
Jay Hudson Homes Tip: Stick with soft whites, light grey or light beige. A fresh coat of neutral paint is one of the most affordable ways to dramatically improve the market appeal of your home. Still wondering how to get your house ready to sell without a full remodel? This is an easy win.
Cluttered Rooms and Surfaces
Clutter competes with the space you’re actually trying to sell. It makes rooms feel smaller and distracts buyers from seeing themselves in the home.
Jay Hudson Homes Tip: Clear countertops, floors, and shelves. Remove excess furniture. A simple, spacious layout helps buyers mentally “move in” a key part of how to get your house ready to sell the right way. Rentable storage containers that you can pack at your own pace and have delivered to your new home are an excellent way to cut down on clutter while preparing for your next chapter.
Dust and Cobwebs
A home that looks clean but shows dust in corners, baseboards, vents, or ceiling fans quietly signals neglect. These details are small but buyers notice.
Jay Hudson Tip: Schedule a deep clean before your first showing. Focus on often-missed areas like window sills, light fixtures, and closet floors. This is one of the simplest steps in how to get your house ready to sell, but it pays off instantly.
The Takeaway: When You’re Getting Ready to Sell, Details Are Everything
If you’re searching for how to get your house ready to sell, remember it’s not always about big upgrades or expensive renovations. More often, it’s about removing buyer hesitation.
These six easy fixes can:
- Improve first impressions
- Increase perceived value
- Help your home sell faster and closer to asking price
Jay Hudson Homes – Keller Williams Makes It Simple
We believe every home deserves to be seen in its best light literally and figuratively. If you’re overwhelmed with where to start or just want a professional eye on your space, we can help you with how to get your house ready to sell in a way that’s strategic, cost-effective, and stress-free.
Here’s what we offer:
- Pre-listing walk-throughs to catch every detail
- Staging guidance based on buyer behavior and market trends
- Trusted vendors for painting, cleaning, and small repairs
- A personalized, hands-on plan for getting your home show-ready fast
Ready to Make Your Home Market-Ready?
Before you adjust your price or wonder why your home hasn’t sold take a second look at the small stuff. These details might be the difference between interest and offers.
📞 Schedule your free pre-listing consultation with Jay Hudson Homes today
Proudly serving home sellers throughout Chattanooga and surrounding areas. Let us show you exactly how to get your house ready to sell the right way.
✨ Because in real estate, the little things aren’t little, they’re everything. ✨
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start getting my house ready to sell?
Ideally, give yourself 30–60 days to declutter, complete minor repairs, and freshen up the space. Starting early gives you time to prepare without rushing, and ensures your home shines the moment it hits the market.
What’s the best way to make my home more appealing to buyers on a budget?
Focus on inexpensive updates that deliver maximum impact: neutral paint, good lighting, and a professional cleaning. These small investments create a move-in-ready feel buyers love without breaking the bank.
How do I know if my home is truly ready to list?
Walk through your home with a buyer’s perspective or better yet, let us do it with you. We’ll point out small but powerful improvements so you feel confident your home is market-ready.
