How to prepare your home for a smooth, profitable sale
Getting your home ready to sell can feel overwhelming, especially if you're planning a big move on top of it. After helping dozens of clients relocate out of Austin, I've learned that a clear make-ready process not only reduces stress, it can also put thousands more in your pocket at closing.
That’s why I created the Texit program. It’s designed to give my clients a more organized, supported, and rewarding experience when selling their Austin home and preparing for an out-of-state move. Everything in this guide comes directly from what we do inside Texit.
Step 1: Start With A Walk-Through From A Buyer’s Perspective
Before hiring contractors or grabbing a paintbrush, walk through your home as if you were seeing it for the first time. Open every door. Peek into closets. Examine the baseboards. Try to notice the little things that could leave an impression, good or bad.
This kind of objective walk-through is something I always do with my clients early on. Sometimes, the fixes are small: a lightbulb out, a sticky door, a missing cabinet knob. Other times, we identify areas where a minor investment like fresh paint or updated lighting could yield a big return.
If you're not sure where to start, I can help you prioritize. Some improvements are nice to have. Others are worth every penny.
Step 2: Deep Clean For Impact And Confidence
A clean home photographs better, shows better, and gives buyers the confidence that it’s been well cared for. I always tell my clients to clean like their picky in-laws are coming to stay.
That means:
Baseboards and window sills
Inside appliances
Light fixtures and ceiling fans
Grout lines and bathroom corners
If the idea of doing all that makes your head spin, you’re not alone. Through Texit, I can connect you with professional cleaners who specialize in pre-listing deep cleans and know exactly how to get your home market-ready.
Step 3: Make Minor Repairs That Matter
Buyers tend to fixate on small flaws, even when the big things are in great shape. A loose handle or cracked tile can distract from your home’s best features.
Here’s a short checklist I usually go over:
Patch and touch-up walls
Fix leaky faucets or running toilets
Replace burnt-out bulbs
Repair door handles and cabinet hinges
Replace any broken window screens and windows with broken seals
If you’re using Texit, these repairs can be covered through Compass Concierge. It’s a service that fronts up to $25,000 for improvements, staging, and moving prep, all paid back at closing. I help coordinate vendors, keep things on schedule, and make sure you get the most value without the stress of managing it all yourself.
Step 4: Declutter To Create Space And Clarity
This is the stage where many sellers get stuck. You’re still living in the house, but it also needs to be camera-ready.
I will pay for a customized staging consultation with an expert to help your home look inviting to buyers. My stager understands how to balance practicality with presentation so you can move forward with less stress.
Her advice includes:
Advising on how to use art work on walls
The right way to clear off countertops, shelves, and desktops
Packing up personal photos, memorabilia, and kids’ art
How to create special moments that make your home look inviting
This is often the part of the process that most sellers dread, but after meeting with my stager, they feel confident and excited!
Step 5: Set The Timeline With Room To Breathe
Most sellers underestimate how long the make-ready process takes. Between scheduling vendors, allowing time for repairs, and giving yourself breathing room to pack and declutter, I recommend starting at least three to four weeks before you plan to list.
As a Texit client, we’ll map out a realistic timeline together that includes your goal for moving to your next destination. It will take into account your move, your daily life, and any curveballs that might come up along the way. Having a plan makes everything feel more manageable.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t HaveTo Do This Alone
Getting a home ready to sell is a lot, especially if you’re also planning a move out of Texas. That’s exactly why I created Texit. From vendor coordination to financial support to help with your move, it’s a complete system designed to make this next chapter less stressful and more rewarding.
Whether you need help with project management, decluttering, or figuring out what’s worth fixing, I’m here to guide you through it.
If you’re thinking about selling, even if you’re still a few months out, let’s talk. The earlier we start planning, the smoother the entire process becomes.
