Filters
Filters

Preparing Your Home to Sell

The way your home is presented can significantly influence buyer interest, showings, and ultimately the price a buyer is willing to pay. Thoughtful preparation helps buyers immediately see the potential of a home — and imagine themselves living there.

First Impressions Matter

When buyers visit a home for the first time — whether online or in person — their impressions form quickly. A well-prepared home allows buyers to focus on the space, the light, and the lifestyle the property offers rather than distractions.

Small improvements, thoughtful staging, and careful presentation help your home stand out in a competitive market.

Preparation doesn’t mean major renovations. Often, the most effective changes are simple: decluttering rooms, improving lighting, fresh paint, and addressing small repairs that may catch a buyer’s attention.

Colonial Brick home with curb appeal

Preparing Your Home for Showings

A few thoughtful steps before your home goes on the market can make a meaningful difference in how buyers perceive the property. The goal is to create a clean, welcoming environment that allows buyers to focus on the space itself and imagine how they might live there.

Need help getting your home market-ready? Explore our trusted Home Service Providers for remodeling, painting, cleaning, plumbing, and more.

Home Service Providers
Church Street Marketplace Burlington Vermont

Declutter & Simplify

Removing excess items helps rooms appear larger and allows buyers to better understand how the space functions.

Changing a light bulb

Address Minor Repairs

Removing excess items helps rooms appear larger and allows buyers to better understand how the space functions.

Cape style home with curb appeal

Enhance Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home sets the tone for every showing. Clean landscaping, fresh mulch, and a welcoming entry can immediately improve first impressions.

Seller Guides & Resources

Looking for guidance as you prepare your home to sell? These resources can help you take the next step! Click on a resource to learn more about a topic or contact us for additional support.

View All Resources

Download Our Preparing Your Home to Sell Guide

Your home is likely your largest investment, our goal is to make sure you get the best possible price in the shortest amount of time on the market. Showing an appealing, uncluttered home that stands out is a must, as is highlighting key features of your home. The Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Preparing Your Home to Sell Guide is based on proven techniques that will make your home stand out. Contact one of our experienced Agents for information specific to your property and goals.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
(802) 863-1500
Facebook Instagram Youtube Linkedin

Greater Burlington

346 Shelburne Rd.,
Burlington, VT

Montpelier Area

2641 US-2,
East Montpelier, VT

Addison County

268 Main Street,
Vergennes, VT

Franklin County

120 N. Main Street,
St Albans City, VT

Mad River Valley

4366 Main Street, Suite 4,
Waitsfield, VT

Copyright 2026 PrimeMLS, Inc. All rights reserved. This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate displayed on this site comes in part from the IDX Program of PrimeMLS. The information being provided is for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated 07/16/2026.

© 2026 Hickok & Boardman, Inc. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Hickok & Boardman, Inc fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affliated with or related to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.

Compare Properties

Compare
You can only compare 4 properties, any new property added will replace the first one from the comparison.