Get your home ready to sell
The work that happens before a home hits the market often makes the biggest difference in how fast it sells and for how much. Here's a practical pre-listing checklist Kelly uses with sellers across DC, Maryland & Virginia. When you're ready, she'll walk your home and tell you exactly which of these are worth your time — and which aren't.
1. Declutter & depersonalize
Buyers need to picture themselves living there — that's hard to do around someone else's life.
- Clear countertops, mantels and surfaces down to a few simple pieces.
- Pack away family photos, collections and anything highly personal.
- Thin out closets and storage by a third — full closets read as "not enough space."
- Remove excess furniture so rooms feel open and easy to walk through.
- Start packing the things you won't need before move-out; treat it as a head start.
2. Fix the small stuff
Little defects make buyers wonder what else wasn't maintained. Most are quick and cheap to handle.
- Patch nail holes and touch up scuffed paint; neutral, fresh walls go a long way.
- Fix dripping faucets, running toilets and loose handles or knobs.
- Replace burnt-out bulbs and any dated or broken light fixtures.
- Make sure every door and window opens, closes and locks smoothly.
- Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks where it's cracked or discolored.
3. Deep clean — and keep it clean
A spotless home photographs better and signals "well cared for." This is the highest-return, lowest-cost step.
- Deep-clean kitchens and bathrooms, including grout, appliances and fixtures.
- Clean windows inside and out so rooms feel brighter.
- Shampoo carpets and have hard floors cleaned or refinished if needed.
- Address any pet or smoke odors — buyers notice immediately.
- Have a plan to keep it show-ready while you're on the market.
4. Boost curb appeal
The exterior is the first thing buyers see — online and in person. First impressions set the tone.
- Mow, edge, mulch and trim overgrown shrubs and trees.
- Add fresh plants or potted flowers near the entry.
- Clean or paint the front door; polish the hardware and house numbers.
- Pressure-wash siding, walkways and the driveway.
- Tuck away hoses, bins and clutter from view.
5. Stage to sell
Staging helps buyers see each room's purpose and best use — it doesn't require a full redesign.
- Arrange furniture to show off space and natural traffic flow.
- Maximize light: open curtains, raise blinds, add lamps to dark corners.
- Use neutral, fresh linens and a few simple accents.
- Give every room a clear, single purpose (no "junk room").
- Set a comfortable, consistent temperature for showings.
6. Before it goes live
A few decisions in this window shape the whole sale — and they're where a senior agent earns their keep.
- Pricing: set it with real, current comparable sales — not an online guess.
- Professional photos & video: most buyers see your home online first; quality matters.
- Timing & marketing: plan the launch and promotion for maximum first-week attention.
- Disclosures & paperwork: get DC/MD/VA seller disclosures in order early.
- Consider a pre-listing review: Kelly can flag issues before a buyer's inspection does.
Vice President & Partner, Mollaan Babbington Group at Compass · Licensed in DC · MD · VA
Kelly will tell you what's worth doing.
Every home is different. Kelly walks your place, points to the handful of fixes that actually move the needle on price, and prices it with real market data — no wasted effort.