What Are Some Things I Need to Do to Get My House Ready for Sale?

Getting Your Home Market-Ready: A Portland Seller’s Guide

If you’re planning to sell your home in Portland, one of the first questions to ask is: What should I do to get my house ready for sale? Preparing your home properly can make a major difference in how quickly it sells—and how much you walk away with at closing.

As a Portland Realtor who studies the local market daily, I’ve seen how strategic preparation transforms “just another listing” into a must-see home that captures buyers’ attention and top-dollar offers.

🧼 Step 1: Declutter, Clean, and Neutralize

Buyers need to see themselves in your home. Start by removing excess items, personal photos, and clutter. A deep clean—especially of kitchens and bathrooms—creates a fresh first impression. Light, neutral paint colors make spaces feel brighter and larger, appealing to a wider pool of buyers.

🏡 Step 2: Boost Curb Appeal

In Portland’s lush neighborhoods—whether you’re in Irvington, Sellwood, or Hillsdale—curb appeal matters. Trim landscaping, add fresh mulch, power wash the walkway, and update the front door hardware. You only get one chance to make that all-important first impression, and curb appeal sets the tone before a buyer even steps inside.

🪴 Step 3: Make Minor Repairs

Small issues can signal neglect. Tighten leaky faucets, replace burned-out bulbs, fix loose doorknobs, and touch up paint where needed. If a home inspection finds fewer issues, buyers feel more confident—and confident buyers make faster, stronger offers.

🛋️ Step 4: Stage to Sell

Home staging—whether professional or DIY—helps buyers emotionally connect with your home. Rearrange furniture to create open flow, use mirrors to amplify light, and highlight focal points like fireplaces or large windows. In Portland’s competitive market, staged homes often sell faster and for more money than vacant or cluttered ones.

📸 Step 5: Professional Photography and Marketing

Your home’s first showing happens online. High-quality, well-lit photography and compelling listing descriptions are crucial. That’s where Lisa Mehlhoff Homes, Portland Realtor brings in professional marketing—leveraging social media, Google exposure, and visual storytelling to showcase your home to the right buyers.

💡 So What?

Selling your home is more than just listing it—it’s positioning it. The goal is to make buyers fall in love at first sight, drive strong offers, and minimize time on the market. Preparation isn’t just busywork—it’s a profit strategy.

📞 Ready to Prepare for the Portland Market?

If you’re considering selling, I’ll walk you through exactly where to focus your time, energy, and budget. From pricing to presentation, I’ll ensure your home stands out in Portland’s 2025 real estate market.

📩 Start your home-selling journey today with personalized guidance from Lisa Mehlhoff Homes, Portland Realtor.