With the holidays now behind us, it’s time to plunge into a new year with new goals and expectations. If putting your home on the market is part of the plans you have for the new year, it’s important to remember a few basic tips for preparing your home (even for sellers on a modest budget):

Pay attention to curb appeal .
Power wash the siding, decks, porches and driveway, add fresh mulch to beds, mow and edge the lawn, and remove decorative lawn ornaments (Even if you love the garden gnomes and reflecting balls, remember that potential buyers may not. Pack them up before you put your home on the market).
Consider new paint.
Most houses need at least some touching up, and many need a complete color overhaul. Professional home stagers are skilled color consultants and can provide expert advice (even when the seller does not plan to professionally stage). Take a look at our virtural color consulting services.
Begin packing now–before the home goes on the market.
I cannot over emphasize the importance of de-cluttering if you plan to sell your home in the new year. You may even consider renting a temporary storage unit to hold boxes and extra furniture. Eliminating clutter can make even smallest home feel more spacious and orderly to potential buyers.
Clean.
A clean house gives potential buyers the impression that the home has been well cared for. A dirty, cluttered space gives the opposite impression. Most professional home stagers will ask buyers to have the home thoroughly cleaned prior to staging and regularly while the listing is active.
How We Can Help Sell Your Home in the New Year
If you’re planning to sell your home in the new year and need help getting started or knowing what to tackle first, take a look below at all the ways we can help!

Book an Online Consultation
We specialize in positive and empowering virtual home staging consultations! Our practical, no-nonsense advice helps homeowners sell more quickly and for more money.

Enroll in Our Online Courses
Our online courses are designed with you, the DIY homeowner, in mind. From home staging to paint color selection, we break down the process for you from start to finish!

Read Our Book
In this brand new third edition of her popular book, Just Right! Easy DIY Home Staging, professional home stager Vannessa Rhoades walks you through the step-by-step process of staging your home for a faster, more profitable sale. Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions!