How Do I Prepare My Home for Showings?

By Collin Ramirez

Collin Ramirez, a Charlotte native, exemplifies unwavering dedication in his role as the Executive Listing Specialist for The John Bolos Group.

Are you thinking about selling your North Carolina home soon? If so, let me share three simple but effective ways to make sure it’s ready for the market. These are the same tips I share with sellers to help them make a strong first impression and attract serious buyers. Let’s get started.

1. Minor repairs. Every home has a few dings, like some nail pops, small holes in the wall, or spots that need a little touch-up paint. Taking care of those minor issues upfront shows buyers that the home is well-maintained.

If any rooms are in rough shape, that might be a sign it’s time to repaint. This is something I usually go over with clients during a consultation, depending on the condition of the walls and what’s typical in the current market. The goal isn’t to do a full renovation, but to just make sure everything looks clean and presentable.

2. Staging and decluttering. Once repairs are handled, the next step is to prepare the home for showings by decluttering and staging. Reducing the amount of personal or daily-use items around the house helps buyers focus on the space, and not the stuff.

I call it the “tape measure method.” When buyers come in, they often bring a tape measure and start planning where their furniture will go. If the home feels crowded, it’s harder for them to picture their own things in the space. Move excess items into closets, cabinets, the attic, or even the garage to help the rooms feel open.

Light staging also helps. Make the beds neatly, add a few small items to the kitchen counters, and maybe move around a plant or a lamp to brighten up a space. Looking at photos of new construction homes online can give you ideas on how to arrange things in a simple but stylish way.

3. General updates. If the carpet is in bad shape, like torn or stained, it might need to be cleaned or replaced. Paint that’s worn out or dingy is another thing to look at, especially if touch-ups won’t blend in well. In that case, repainting a full wall or even an entire room can make a huge difference.

Buyers want to feel like the home has been taken care of. A clean property, fresh paint, and carpets that smell and look good help give that impression. If there are bright or bold colors on the walls, switching to more neutral tones is usually a good move. And if there’s any visible damage, like broken cabinet doors or cracked tiles, it’s best to fix those ahead of time.

Every property is different, and what works for one might not work for another. If you want to talk about how to get your home market-ready, you can call me at (704) 368-3453 or send me an email at collinramirez@kw.com. I’d be happy to help.