Preparing a Home for Sale Checklist: 7 Ways to Boost Value

Blog banner - "preparing a home for sale checklist" - Blog by Kristen Shaker. Learn more at www.shaker.nyc

Selling an apartment in New York City isn't just about listing it—it’s about positioning it to command top dollar. Here's your comprehensive preparing a home for sale checklist to get your home market-ready and irresistible to today’s discerning buyers.

1. Declutter and Depersonalize

Move out before listing if you can! If you can’t, clear surfaces, minimize furniture, and remove personal items like family photos, memorabilia, or bold artwork. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in a space, and that can be difficult when it’s obvious this is already someone else’s apartment!

Pro Tip: Rent a storage unit or use off-site storage for extra furniture and seasonal items. Less really is more when it comes to perceived square footage.

Organization boxes with labels "keep" "donate" and "trash" placed in the corner of a room in a home - Preparing a home for sale checklist - Blog by Kristen Shaker. Learn more at www.shaker.nyc

2. Put Up a Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting is one of the easiest ways to boost value—and it’s always high on any Preparing a Home for Sale Checklist. If you’re only going to do one thing before listing, paint your apartment. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way toward making a space seem sleek, clean and ready to be moved into!

A paint roller rolls paint onto a white wall - "preparing a home for sale checklist" - Blog by Kristen Shaker. Learn more at www.shaker.nyc

3. Make Minor Repairs & Improvements

There are a few easy and inexpensive fixes that all seller’s should do before listing or photographing their apartment. These small changes can give an older home new life and improve a listings appeal to discerning buyers

  • Spackle and paint over holes in the wall

  • Repair doors that don’t close properly

  • Re-grout or re-caulk bathrooms

  • Sand and re-finish hardwood floors

  • Add a fresh kitchen backsplash

  • Sand and re-paint kitchen cabinetry

  • Replace carpet with hardwood or LVP

While these updates are inexpensive, they can go a long way when it comes to improving the aesthetic appeal of a space.

Pro Tip: While small improvements can mean a big difference in selling price, major renovations often cost more than they are worth. Consult your real estate agent to understand what is worth shelling out for and what you can leave for the next owner.

A person wearing green safety gloves uses a yellow power drill to assemble wooden furniture on a hardwood floor - preparing a home for sale checklist - Blog by Kristen Shaker. Learn more at www.shaker.nyc

4. Deep Clean Everything

Deep cleaning is often overlooked, but it’s a non-negotiable item on any serious Preparing a Home for Sale Checklist. Once you’ve done the improvements, hire professional cleaners to scrub every surface, especially kitchens and bathrooms. If the property has carpets, hire professional carpet cleaners - or better yet, replace them with hardwood!

Unpleasant odors from pets, smoke, or cooking can be deal-breakers, so make sure the apartment smells fresh and neutral.

A person wearing yellow gloves sprays cleaner onto a bathroom faucet - preparing a home for sale checklist - Blog by Kristen Shaker. Learn more at www.shaker.nyc.

5. Stage for Maximum Appeal

Home staging isn't just for luxury properties—studies show that staging helps homes sell faster and for more money. While virtual staging can make listing photos pop, they don’t do anything once the buyer has walked through the doors. Real furniture makes the space feel like a home and helps buyers envision themselves in the property.

Professional stagers will use art and furniture to make the best parts of your property stand out.

  • Highlight high ceilings with vertical artwork or tall plants

  • Use mirrors to make smaller spaces feel larger

  • Thoughtfully lay out even a small space for ergonomic living

  • Accentuate natural light with smart furniture and curtain choices

A tastefully decorated living room in tones of light blue and tan - preparing a home for sale checklist - blog by Kristen Shaker. Learn more at www.shaker.nyc

6. Improve Lighting

Not all NYC apartments get amazing natural light. If your unit is on the darker side, make sure you do what you can to make the space feel airy and light

  • Replace the lightbulbs with maximum wattage bulbs

  • Add floor or table lamps throughout the property

  • Clean windows (inside and outside) to maximize the natural light you do receive

  • Consider buying a grow light to replicate direct sunlight

A silver table lamp sits on a nightstand - preparing a home for sale checklist - blog by Kristen Shaker. Learn more at www.shaker.nyc

7. Hire the Right Real Estate Agent

A seasoned agent can help you navigate every item on this preparing a home for sale checklist, from staging and repairs to pricing and presentation. They will know exactly which repairs will be worth your time money and effort and which contractors can get it done. They’ll know which stagers, cleaners and photographers to hire. In a competitive market, their insight can mean the difference between your property selling for above ask or languishing on the market.

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Regardless of what stage you’re at in your journey, my seller’s guide is built to empower you with all the information you need to feel confident to sell your home.

If you're still wondering how to sell a house in New York without stress, my seller’s guide has you covered. It's packed with insider knowledge, step-by-step instructions, and resources to help you get the most value from your sale. The best part? It’s totally free. Download it today!

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