10 Must-Do’s to Get Your Home Ready for The Market

A great first impression can make all the difference. If you’re selling in Oak Park, River Forest, Riverside, or the surrounding communities, it's important to understand the local dynamics. Buyers in these areas appreciate the charm and character of older homes but are also looking for move-in-ready spaces. They’re willing to pay a premium for quality but are discerning about value. With that in mind, these preparations will ensure your home stands out for all the right reasons in our unique market.

1. Take Care of Any Active Concerns

You know those little things you’ve been meaning to fix? Now’s the time. Maybe there’s a trickle of water sneaking in under the basement door every time it rains, or that bedroom door handle has been broken for months. These small issues might not seem like a big deal, but buyers will notice—and they may start wondering what else hasn’t been maintained. Taking care of these now ensures buyers can focus on your home’s best features instead of potential problems.

2. Address Any Signs of Previous Issues

Even if an old problem has been fully repaired, any lingering signs can raise concerns for buyers. For example, maybe you had a roof leak a year ago, and it’s been completely fixed, but there’s still a faint water stain on the ceiling. To a buyer, that might look like an ongoing issue. A little touch-up paint or drywall repair can go a long way in reassuring buyers that your home has been well cared for.

3. Declutter—You’re Moving Anyway!

One of the easiest ways to make your home feel more spacious? Clear out the clutter. If your closets are stuffed full or your countertops are overflowing, buyers might assume there’s not enough storage space. The best approach? Start packing now. Seasonal clothes, extra decor, and anything you don’t use daily can be boxed up and stored away. Not only will this make your home look more inviting, but it’ll also make your move easier when the time comes.

4. Let There Be Light!

Lighting has a huge impact on the way a buyer feels in your home. Bright and inviting beats dark and dreary every time. Now is the time to swap out dim bulbs for brighter ones and add lamps to any room that feels a little dark.

Natural light is just as important. Open those blinds and curtains, and if you have heavy drapes that block light, consider swapping them out for sheer curtains that still provide privacy while letting in more sunlight. A well-lit home feels warm, welcoming, and more spacious—exactly the impression you want to leave with buyers.

5. Remove Personal Items & Bold Decor

Buyers need to be able to picture themselves living in your home, which can be hard if it still feels too much like it’s YOUR home. There are two main things to consider here:

• Highly personal items – Family photo walls, kids’ names on bedroom walls, and anything that makes the home feel too specific to you can make it harder for buyers to imagine their own lives in the space. Plus, you may not want personal details displayed in listing photos.

• Taste-specific decor – That bold statement art piece you love? It might not be for everyone. If you have anything edgy, polarizing, or unique, it’s worth swapping out for something more neutral while your home is on the market.

6. Store Small & Valuable Items

A good rule of thumb: If it’s smaller than your fist and not essential to daily living, pack it away. This includes little trinkets, collectibles, and anything that could easily get knocked over or disappear.

Also, be sure to secure:

• Expensive jewelry
• Prescription medications
• Anything valuable or sentimental

While showings and open houses are always supervised, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

7. Make Sure Furniture Enhances the Space

Too much furniture can make a home feel cramped, while too little can make it feel cold and uninviting. The right balance helps showcase your home’s best features and natural flow. If a space feels tight, removing an extra chair or side table can make a big difference in how open and airy the room feels.

8. Boost Your Curb Appeal

We get so used to pulling into our garages that we often forget what our home looks like from the street. The buyer’s first impression is formed before they even step inside, so make sure your home’s exterior feels just as inviting as the interior.

A few simple ways to boost curb appeal:

• Fresh mulch in garden beds
• A tidy, swept front porch with a fresh coat of paint
• A couple of potted plants (red geraniums are always a classic choice!)
• A power-washed walkway or driveway

It doesn’t take much to make a home feel warm and welcoming from the moment buyers arrive.

9. The Power of First Impressions—In Photos and In Person

The first impression of your home happens long before the buyers pull up to the curb—it happens online first. Most buyers start their search online, scrolling through listings and making split-second decisions about which homes to visit. That’s why all these steps—decluttering, brightening up the space, and boosting curb appeal—don’t just make a difference in person; they help your home look its absolute best in professional photos, too.

A well-prepared home will shine in listing photos, attract more interest, and create a great experience for buyers when they step through the door. The goal is to make sure your home looks just as inviting online as it does in real life—so when buyers arrive, they already feel excited about what they’re walking into.

10. Let’s Walk Through Your Home Together

Collaborative is more than just part of our name—it’s how we do business every day. One of the things we always offer our clients is a visit to their home—whether they’re thinking of selling in two months or two years. We’re always happy to walk through, offer guidance, and talk about the updates or changes that might make the biggest impact when it’s time to sell.

Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Tackle these simple steps now, and you’ll set yourself up for a smooth & successful sale when the time is right for you!