7 Steps to Get Your House Ready to Sell

by Shaleni Henriquez

Thinking about selling your home but not sure where to start?

Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or moving closer to family, getting your house ready to sell can feel overwhelming. But with a few intentional steps, you can attract serious buyers and maximize your return.

In my 12+ years as a real estate agent and helping homeowners across Milton and the West GTA, I’ve learned what really makes a home stand out, and what holds it back.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting your home market-ready:

1. Start With a Walkthrough

Walk through your home like a buyer would. Take notes. Does anything feel cluttered, dated, or in need of repair? That’s your starting list. Sometimes what you’ve gotten used to (like a leaky tap, scuffed walls, or burnt-out light bulbs) can be a red flag for potential buyers. Addressing these items, and adding a fresh coat of paint or updating broken or dated light fixtures, before listing your home will make all the difference in helping you sell your home faster and for more money, as well as addressing any issues that may come up during your home inspection. Get ahead of these items before you sell your home for added peace of mind. I always say 80% of your success is in the setup.

🎥 Watch my full video here for real-life examples of what to look for:

2. Declutter Like You’re Moving (Because You Are)

Too much “stuff” makes your home feel smaller. Box up items you don’t use daily and tuck them away neatly. That includes countertops, closets, and kids’ toys. Decluttering helps potential buyers focus on the home, not your personal items, which will also give you a head start on moving.

👉 Want help? Download my Free Decluttering Guide perfect for homeowners getting ready to sell but not knowing where to start.

3. Tackle Light Repairs

Fix the squeaky door. Patch that dent in the wall. Touch up scuffed baseboards. These little things signal to buyers that the home has been well maintained, and they can go a long way in your resale value.

4. Deep Clean Everything

This isn’t your weekly clean, it’s the “eat-off-the-floor” level clean. Pay attention to windows, vents, grout, baseboards, bathrooms and behind appliances. Making your home as clean as possible will help it stand out to buyers. Clean homes appear more move-in ready and well-maintained to potential buyers.

5. Boost Your Curb Appeal

First impressions happen in the driveway. Mow the lawn, edge the garden beds, sweep the porch, and add a pop of colour with a planter or wreath. Replace any exterior bulbs that have burned out. Your home's front yard is your first impression to home buyers; make it strong.

6. Create Spaces That Feel Like Home

You may not need a whole home stage, but you do need flow and warmth. Rearrange furniture so rooms feel open, not cramped. Add cozy touches, such as pillows, throws, and lamps.

The goal? Let prospective buyers picture themselves living there.

7. Partner With a Pro (That’s Me!)

From accurately pricing the value of your home based on hyper-local market trends to hiring a professional photographer who captures your home in its best light, the right real estate agent does more than just put a sign on the lawn.

I take care of everything behind the scenes so you don’t have to.

That includes coordinating staging and cleaning, setting up targeted marketing campaigns, hosting showings, open houses, handling paperwork, managing timelines, and negotiating fiercely to protect your bottom line.

In a shifting market like Milton, Burlington, or Mississauga, strategy matters more than ever.

You need someone who knows the numbers, understands buyer psychology, and can guide you through the selling process step-by-step with clarity and confidence.

I help homeowners sell smarter, faster, and with less stress, because you deserve a process that feels as seamless as possible.

Let’s get your home sold faster with care, confidence, and maximum return.