How to prep your house to sell in Omaha

Attract more buyers and maximize your selling price.

Every homebuyer is different, but all agree that a home’s appearance and potential maintenance play a significant role when making an offer. According to the National Association of Realtors 2023 Profile of Home Staging, 58% of buyers’ agents said staging influenced most buyers’ view of a home. As you get ready to sell your home, it’s important to consider making repairs and updates that will help prospective buyers fall in love with your space. With a little bit of planning and effort, your home’s first impression can be one that sells. 

Start with necessary repairs

As the owner, normal wear and tear can be easy to overlook. But a squeaky door, carpet stain or a window that won’t cooperate could bother a new owner. By touring your home’s interior and exterior with a critical eye, you’ll gain a new perspective, as well as an important to-do list. If the time and cost of a few updates are small, go for it. If one or more items need a contractor, you’ll need to decide if the improvements are deal breakers or something the next owner could easily handle.  

If you’re not sure where to start, consider inviting a real estate agent for a walkthrough. They can point out which repairs are essential, and which ones won’t affect your asking price. Knowing which fixes are worth the investment can save you money and effort.  

Make simple cosmetic updates 

Even if your home is in good shape, a few cosmetic updates can give it a fresh, move-in-ready feel. One of the easiest ways to do this is by applying a fresh coat of neutral paint. Bright or bold colors might appeal to you, but neutral tones tend to attract a wider range of buyers, helping them imagine their own furniture and décor in the space. High-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, bathrooms and children’s rooms may need attention more than other spaces.  

Other small updates can give your home a neat and well-kept appearance. Switching out older cabinet handles or hardware in bathrooms and kitchens can make a space look newer with minimal effort. Also look at updating lighting and fixtures if it helps increase your home’s appeal. Each change will help your home get ready for its open house debut.  

Boost your curb appeal

A homebuyer’s first impression is your home’s exterior, and the walk from the car to your front door can set the stage for a great open house. A well-maintained exterior can also mean a well-maintained interior, which further boosts buyer confidence.  

If you’re selling your home during the spring or summer in Omaha, make sure the yard is mowed weekly, and weeds are in check. Flowerbeds should also be well maintained. Chipped concrete and bare spots on the lawn can also be patched. If birds and insects are leaving their mark, take time to scrub away stains or brush aside webs and debris. 

Depersonalize and declutter your home

Buyers know that you’re still living in your home, so you don’t need to pretend that your property is a show home. But the goal of decluttering and depersonalizing your house is to give buyers a better idea of how they could live in that space and imagine themselves there.   

Depersonalize your home as much as possible by packing away excess family photos, souvenirs, college diplomas or religious symbols. Reducing anything you have in abundance is also important, this includes large collections, memorabilia or craft supplies. To make it easier, consider buying a few baskets or bins that you can tuck into a closet or under a bed while your home is being shown. 

Think about what your furniture says about your space, too. Consider putting large pieces into storage if they take up significant space as this can make rooms look smaller than they truly are. If some furniture is damaged, your realtor may have a few items you can borrow while your home is being sold. Overall, the goal is to create a welcoming space where buyers can easily envision their life in your home. 

Stay on top of cleaning 

Along with decluttering before putting your home up for sale, remember that you’ll need the space to look it’s best whenever anyone visits. Keep to a strict cleaning schedule to maintain all your hard work in prepping.  

Make sure the whole family gets involved, too. Ask kids to tidy their own bedrooms and play spaces and work together to clean common spaces like the kitchen and bathrooms. Vacuum daily, open windows for an hour or so before any viewings to freshen up your home and keep walkways or entry areas clear.  

If you have pets, don’t forget about staying on top of their spaces too. Make sure any cat litter boxes are tucked away discreetly, along with any overflowing toy boxes, treat bins or dog-walking accessories.   

Leave your home looking great 

If you know people will be visiting that day, before you head out of your home, turn on the lights and put away any last-minute items you may have used that morning. Open all the curtains and blinds and hide any valuables you might have left out on counters or nightstands.  

Give surfaces a quick wipe down, take out the trash and possibly spray a light scent to remove any lingering odors. Put away pet bowls and quickly vacuum or sweep any spaces they frequent once you’ve removed them from the house.   

Sell your home with confidence

Selling a home can be a busy and exciting time. And with the right preparation, you’ll make a lasting impression on potential buyers. By tackling small cosmetic updates and necessary repairs, you’ll create a welcoming environment where someone else can imagine their next chapter as you begin yours. 

Purchase your next home with American National Bank

While you’re preparing your home to sell, our team can help you finance the next place you call home. Our fast, no-fee prequalification can help you get moving sooner and we have mortgage options to help more types of buyers.