Tips for Preparing Your Home to List on the Market

Josh Stewart • September 19, 2024

Tips for Preparing Your Home to List on the Market


Listing your home can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. A well-prepared home is more likely to attract serious buyers, get top dollar, and sell quickly. Here are some valuable tips to ensure your property stands out and appeals to potential buyers.


1. Declutter and Depersonalize


When buyers tour your home, they need to envision themselves living there. Declutter your space by removing excess items, unnecessary furniture, and personal belongings like family photos, souvenirs, or memorabilia. Aim to create a clean, neutral canvas that allows buyers to imagine their own style and furniture in the space.


Tip: Consider renting a storage unit if you have large furniture pieces or items you want to keep but don’t need during the selling process.


2. Deep Clean Every Space


A clean home suggests to potential buyers that the property has been well cared for. Pay special attention to often-neglected areas such as baseboards, windows, carpets, and grout. Don’t forget to clean the inside of closets, cupboards, and even appliances — buyers will look everywhere!


Tip: If cleaning isn’t your strong suit, hire a professional cleaning service to ensure your home is spotless.


3. Make Minor Repairs


Take a walk through your home and note anything that needs fixing — from leaky faucets and squeaky doors to chipped paint and broken tiles. Small issues can give buyers the impression that the home hasn’t been properly maintained, so it’s important to address them before listing.


Tip: For an inexpensive refresh, consider touching up scuffed walls with neutral-colored paint and replacing outdated hardware like cabinet handles or door knobs.


4. Boost Curb Appeal


First impressions are crucial, and your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see. Spruce up your landscaping by trimming shrubs, mowing the lawn, and adding fresh mulch or flowers. Pressure-wash your driveway and walkways, and consider painting or replacing your front door if it’s looking worn.


Tip: A new welcome mat and a few potted plants can make your entryway more inviting.


5. Stage for Success


Staging your home can make a big difference in how buyers perceive the space. Rearrange furniture to create an open, airy feel, and use neutral colors in your decor. Highlight the best features of each room, such as a cozy fireplace or large windows with plenty of natural light.


Tip: If you’re unsure about staging, hiring a professional stager could be a wise investment, as it can increase your home’s appeal and value.


6. Maximize Lighting


Bright, well-lit homes feel more inviting and spacious. Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light, and make sure all light fixtures have working bulbs. Consider upgrading your light fixtures to modern designs for an instant update.


Tip: Add lamps in areas where natural light is lacking, or replace older, dim bulbs with brighter, energy-efficient ones.


7. Neutralize Odors


Unpleasant odors are a huge turnoff for buyers, so make sure your home smells fresh. Clean carpets, upholstery, and drapes to remove any lingering smells from pets, smoke, or cooking. Lightly scented candles or essential oil diffusers can help create a pleasant atmosphere, but avoid overpowering fragrances.


Tip: Baking cookies or simmering cinnamon sticks before showings can give your home a warm, inviting aroma.


8. Highlight Key Features


Does your home have special features like a walk-in closet, fireplace, or updated kitchen? Be sure to highlight these selling points! If your backyard is a major draw, make sure it’s showcased by having it in pristine condition for showings.


Tip: Provide informational flyers or brochures that outline your home’s top features, local amenities, and recent upgrades.


9. Take High-Quality Photos


Once your home is clean, staged, and ready, hire a professional photographer to capture your home in its best light. High-quality photos can make all the difference in attracting buyers online, where most house hunting begins.


Tip: If your property includes beautiful views or outdoor spaces, be sure to have those features photographed during optimal lighting. ** This is an expense I handle as your listing agent.**


10. Stay Flexible with Showings


Finally, be prepared to accommodate showings at short notice, and consider vacating the home during open houses or private showings. Buyers will feel more comfortable exploring the space without the owner present, and you’ll increase your chances of receiving offers.


Tip: Have a plan for where you can go during showings, and keep the home in show-ready condition as much as possible.


Preparing your home for the market can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, you can create a space that appeals to buyers and sells quickly. From decluttering and cleaning to staging, a little preparation can go a long way toward getting top dollar for your home.


Are you thinking of selling your home? Contact me today for personalized advice and assistance with listing your property!


Josh Stewart, REALTOR®

Josh.Stewart@REMIRealty.com


#FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #ListingYourHome #JoshStewartRealtor 


By Rachael Martin June 15, 2025
Flag Football and Final Offers: Balancing Game Days and Showings Like a Pro On any given Saturday, my car smells faintly of turf, sweat, and fast food fries—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Between the flags tangled in the backseat, water bottles rolling around under the seats, and a laptop open in the passenger chair, my car is both a mobile locker room and a real estate command center. This is the season of life I’m in: raising a flag football player while helping clients navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Whether I’m watching my kid sprint down the field or negotiating a counteroffer in the parking lot, the game is always on—and I’m fully in it. Flag Football Taught Me to Hustle—and Be Present If you’ve ever been to a youth flag football game, you know it’s part chaos, part magic. Kids running in every direction, coaches shouting out plays, and parents doing their best to keep track of it all. It’s not unlike real estate: fast-moving, unpredictable, and full of moments that make all the stress worth it. Watching my child learn to pivot, listen, and lead on the field reminds me to do the same in business. Every game teaches resilience. Every showing teaches patience. And every phone call in between is a chance to connect, encourage, and get things done. Negotiation: On the Field and in the Office Whether it's convincing my quarterback-in-training to eat breakfast before the game or negotiating inspection repairs for a nervous buyer, it's all strategy. It’s reading people, anticipating moves, and keeping emotions in check. In both flag football and real estate, the best results come from preparation and communication. I might be huddling with my team in the kitchen at 7:00 a.m. and drawing up offer strategies with customers by 10:00 a.m.—same mindset, different field. My Car Is a Locker Room, an Office, and Sometimes a Sanctuary Let’s be honest: my car does it all. It's where I send quick emails, make deal-saving calls, debrief after practices, and scarf down lunch between showings. It’s also where I take a breath and remember why I do this. In the midst of all the movement, my car has become a symbol of balance—not because everything is perfect, but because it keeps moving forward. I used to chase the idea of “work-life balance” like it was something neat and organized. Now I know it’s more like organized chaos. And it works. For me, success isn’t about having a perfectly tidy schedule—it’s about being present where it counts. The Power of Priorities When my daughter looks up from the field and finds me on the sidelines (yes, sometimes answering a call with a clipboard in hand), I want her to know one thing: I show up. And I bring that same presence and dedication to my customers. The key? Knowing your priorities. I’ve had to get really clear about what matters most. That means saying yes to showing homes right after the final whistle blows. It means pausing a long negotiation call so I can help tie cleats or give a pre-game pep talk. It means knowing what can wait—and what can’t. Raising Winners at Home and at Work To me, “winning” isn’t just about trophies or closing gifts. It’s about raising confident kids and empowered customers. It’s about building trust, setting goals, and staying mentally tough even when things get messy. When I support my children in learning to lead, fail, try again, and celebrate the process, I’m reminded that real estate works the same way. Not every offer wins. Not every deal is smooth. But with the right mindset, both kids and customers come out stronger. Celebrating the Small Wins Sure, the big moments are fun—touchdowns and closings, new listings and new positions on the team—but it’s the small wins that keep me going. A “good job, Mom.” A customer saying “thank you, I feel seen.” A clean kitchen after a crazy week. These moments are easy to overlook, but they are everything. So, whether it’s a flag pulled on the field or a first-time homebuyer who finally feels confident, I celebrate. Because growth, success, and joy live in those in-between moments. If there’s one thing flag football has taught me as a REALTOR®, a mom, and a woman who runs on caffeine and heart—it’s this: we can do hard things, fast things, messy things... and still find meaning in all of it. Here’s to raising winners, writing offers from the bleachers, and knowing that showing up is the real victory. Let’s win—on and off the field! Rachael Martin, REALTOR® Mobile office queen. Flag football mom. Negotiator with a game plan. Let's Connect - Rachael@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #RachaelMartinRealtor
Excited to Join the REMI Realty Family!
By Peyton Bass May 19, 2025
Excited to Join the REMI Realty Family! Hi friends! I’m Peyton Bass , and I’m beyond excited to officially be part of the REMI Realty team! Joining REMI feels like more than just a career move — it feels like stepping into a space where I can live out my purpose. I’m deeply rooted in faith and believe in leading with kindness, compassion, and integrity in every area of my life. Real estate isn’t just about properties to me — it’s about people, and I feel truly called to serve them well. As someone who’s always been family-focused, I know that a house becomes a home when it’s filled with love, safety, and memories. That’s why I don’t take it lightly when someone invites me into their home journey. Whether you're searching for that perfect space, selling a meaningful chapter, or just beginning to dream, I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way. And when I’m not working with customers, you’ll most likely find me hanging out with Timber — my sweet pup and sidekick. He keeps life fun and full of adventure (and yes, I’m totally obsessed with him). I’m so grateful to be part of a brokerage that values people and purpose as much as I do. Let’s chase your real estate dreams together — with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of faith. With gratitude, Peyton Bass, REALTOR® Peyton@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #PeytonBassRealtor
From My Heart to Your Home: A Little About Me
By Lee Botelho May 14, 2025
From My Heart to Your Home: A Little About Me Hello, and thank you for taking a moment to get to know me. My name is Lee Botelho , and I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into this new chapter as a real estate agent. After nearly 30 years in the mental health field, helping people navigate some of life’s most meaningful (and often challenging) journeys, I’ve found myself drawn to a new way of supporting others—by helping them find home. For me, real estate isn’t just about property. It’s about people, goals, and creating spaces where lives unfold. Over the years, I’ve seen how deeply our surroundings impact our well-being. A home is where we dream, grow, and build our futures—and I feel truly honored to be part of that process with my customers. I live in beautiful Putnam County , a community I’m proud to call my own. Serving my neighbors here is more than just business—it’s personal. I bring the same care, empathy, and insight to real estate that I brought to every conversation in my previous career. I listen carefully, advocate strongly, and always aim to make my clients feel seen and supported. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to downsize, or planning a big move, I’m here to walk beside you through every step. One of my favorite things in life is watching people achieve their goals—and I’d love to help you reach yours. Thank you again for welcoming me into this new role. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and helping you find the perfect place to call home. Warmly,  Lee Botelho Your Neighbor & Real Estate Agent Lee Botelho, REALTOR® LeeBotelho@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LeeBotelhoRealtor
Military Mortgage Options: What Every Service Member Should Know
By Lee Botelho May 13, 2025
Military Mortgage Options: What Every Service Member Should Know For active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible military families, buying a home comes with unique benefits—especially when it comes to financing. I understand the challenges and sacrifices of military life, and I am here to help you navigate the home-buying process with confidence. Whether you’re PCS-ing across the country or settling down after retirement, here’s a guide to the top military mortgage options available to you. 1. VA Home Loans: The Cornerstone of Military Mortgages The VA loan —backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—is one of the most powerful mortgage options available to military buyers. Here’s why it stands out: No down payment required (in most cases) No private mortgage insurance (PMI) Competitive interest rates Lenient credit requirements Limited closing costs Who’s Eligible? VA loans are available to: Active-duty service members (after 90 days of continuous service) Veterans with qualifying service National Guard and Reserve members (with sufficient service) Certain surviving spouses You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to apply, but a VA-savvy lender can usually help you obtain it quickly. 2. VA Jumbo Loans for High-Cost Areas If you’re buying in a high-cost area or seeking a more expensive home, a VA Jumbo Loan might be the right fit. These allow eligible buyers to finance homes above the standard VA loan limit without a large down payment. The process is similar to a standard VA loan, though some lenders may require a higher credit score or additional documentation. 3. Military Housing Assistance Programs There are also various nonprofit and government-backed programs designed to assist military homebuyers: State-specific veteran housing benefits (some states offer additional tax exemptions or down payment assistance) Military Housing Assistance Fund (MHAF) – helps cover closing costs for eligible buyers Homes for Heroes – provides savings and rebates for military personnel buying or selling a home Check with me to see which programs may be available in your area. 4. Tips for a Smooth Military Home Purchase Work with a professional – Agents, like myself, understand PCS timelines and VA loan intricacies. Get pre-approved early – This helps you move quickly in a competitive market. I can help with this by connecting you with a few of our preferred lenders. Understand your entitlements – Some buyers can reuse their VA loan benefit or have multiple VA loans under certain conditions. Be ready for PCS flexibility – Look into options that allow you to rent or refinance if you’re reassigned. Buying a home as a service member or veteran doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you have the right agent on your side. I proudly support my military customers and work with trusted lenders to ensure a smooth, affordable path to homeownership. Ready to explore your military mortgage options? Contact me today to connect with a VA loan expert and start your home search with confidence. Lee Botelho, REALTOR®  LeeBotelho@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LeeBotelhoRealtor
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