Are you getting ready to sell your house? Whether you’re in a hurry to get it off your hands or you just want to make sure it sells for the best price possible, our prep guide to sell your house in 14 days is for you. We’ll show you how to declutter, depersonalize, and stage your house so that potential buyers can see themselves living there. With our guide, you’ll be able to relax in your new home knowing that everything was taken care of – from packing up your old place to getting the keys to your new one. Ready to get started?
Day 1 – Assessment and Strategy to sell your house in 14 days
On day one of our guide, we’ll start with the basics: an overall assessment and strategy. You’ll want to walk the entire house and property and take note of any necessary large and small repairs. Once you have a list of repairs and updates, you can start to prioritize which ones need to be done before listing the house. If you’re short on time, focus on the noticeable repairs like a loose doorknob or a hole in the drywall. These items will be easily spotted by potential buyers and can be quickly fixed.
You can also start to declutter your house on day one. When trying to sell your house in 14 days, efficiency is key. Begin by going room by room and removing any items that are personal, broken, or no longer used. Once you’ve decluttered each room, you can begin to depersonalize by taking down family photos and other personal items.
Day 2 – Declutter
On day two in our prep guide to sell your house in 14 days, we’ll continue with the decluttering process. This time, you’ll focus on closets, cabinets, and storage areas. These are often places where homeowners tend to hoard items that they no longer need or use. Go through each closet and cabinet, and remove anything that you don’t need or want. If you come across items that are still usable, but you don’t want them anymore, consider donating them to a local thrift store.
The house should look very minimalistic. The goal is for potential buyers to be able to see themselves living in the house, and that isn’t easy to do when the walls are covered in your family’s vacation photos. When you think you’ve decluttered enough, go back and do more! Are all the appliances off the counter, like the toaster and the coffee maker? Is everything off the shelves?
It may seem like a lot of work, but it will be worth it in the end. The bonus is you can start packing up everything now that isn’t a necessity, so you’re ready to move once the house sells.
Day 3 – Deep Clean Inside
On day three, it’s time to start deep cleaning your house from top to bottom. This includes dusting ceiling fans, scrubbing toilets, and washing windows. You’ll want to ensure that every inch of your home is sparkling clean before potential buyers come for a showing.
This is also a good time to start packing up any non-essentials, like extra dishes and linens. Make sure to leave out enough for your family to use on a daily basis, but pack up anything that will just be taking up space.
Best Time Saving Deep Cleaning Products:
Day 4 – Depersonalize
Now that your house is clean, it’s time to start depersonalizing. This process can be complicated for some homeowners because you’re making your home feel like it isn’t yours anymore. But it’s essential to do if you want potential buyers to be able to see themselves living there.
Start by taking down any family photos or personal items from walls and shelves. You’ll also want to pack up any collections or knickknacks that might be too specific for a certain taste. Once you’ve removed all the personal items, you can start thinking about staging.
Staging is the process of making your house look like a model home. This means arranging furniture in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. You’ll want to create a flow throughout the house so that people can easily move from one room to another.
If you need help with this, plenty of resources are available online, or you can hire a professional stager. Just remember – less is more! You don’t want potential buyers to feel overwhelmed when they walk into your house.
Day 5 – Clean Outside
On day five, it’s time to focus on the exterior of your house. This includes power washing the siding, sweeping the walkways, and making sure the front door is clean and inviting.
You’ll also want to take a look at your landscaping. Is your mailbox in need of a fresh coat of paint or a new post? Are there any dead plants that need to be replaced? First impressions matter, so you’ll want to make sure your house looks its best from the street.
Best Pressure Washers:
If you don’t have a pressure washer, now is the time to invest in one. This will make cleaning the outside of your house much easier and faster.
To save you some time, we’ve put together a list of the best pressure washers on the market.
Best Pressure Washers:
Top Pick: Westinghouse WPX2700 Gas Powered Pressure Washer
The Westinghouse WPX2700 is our top pick for the best pressure washer. It’s a gas-powered machine that delivers 2700 PSI of pressure. It also has a detergent tank so you can easily apply soap to any surface.
Runner Up: Sun Joe Pressure Washer
This pressure washer is our runner-up because it’s also lightweight and easy to use. It doesn’t come with as many attachments, but it’s still a great option for those on a budget.
Budget Pick: Karcher Pressure Washer
If you’re looking for an inexpensive option, this pressure washer from Karcher is a great choice. It’s not as powerful as some of the other models on this list, but it’s still effective for light-duty cleaning tasks.
Day 6 – Quick Repairs
On day six in our prep guide to sell your house in 14 days, it’s time to focus on any repairs that need to be made. This includes anything from fixing a loose doorknob to patching up holes in the drywall.
You’ll also want to make sure that all the light fixtures are working and that there are no burnt-out bulbs. It’s important to address any repair issues now so that potential buyers don’t have a reason to lowball you later on.
Minor Repairs Checklist and Our Recommendations:
- Burnt out bulbs – Buy in bulk to save on the cost
- Mismatched colored bulbs – If you choose a bulb’s color, you should stick with it in the room. Typically most rooms have a 2700k color or the color of candlelight. You’re now seeing many houses start to have a modern hue with a 3000k and sometimes higher, but we recommend not going much higher than 3000k unless it is for a specific need. Above is a link to 3000k bulbs, and below is a link to 2700K LED bulbs at an incredibly affordable price.
- Loose doorknobs
- Holes in drywall
- Broken light fixtures
- Missing outlet covers
- Torn screens
- Water-stained ceilings
- Cracked tiles
Peeling paint – If your house was built before 1978, there’s a good chance it contains lead-based paint. This can be a health hazard, so you’ll need to have it professionally removed.
Day 7 – Quick Upgrades with a High ROI when selling your house
On day seven in our prep guide to sell your house in 14 days, you’ve just taken care of all the necessary repairs, it’s time to focus on some quick upgrades that will have a big impact on potential buyers. These are usually small projects that can be completed in a day or two, but they’ll go a long way in making your house more appealing to buyers.
Some great quick upgrades to consider include:
- New hardware for cabinets and closet doors
- New Door Handles
- New Electrical Covers
- Updated light fixtures – Change out the boob light with this..
- New shower heads and faucets
- New house numbers and address plaque
As you can see, most of these upgrades are relatively inexpensive and easy to do yourself. If you’re not sure how to complete a certain project, there are plenty of YouTube videos and blog posts that can walk you through the process step-by-step.
Updating your hardware is one of the quickest and easiest ways to give your house a fresh look. New cabinet hardware can be found for as little as $0.50 per piece, and it’s a project that anyone can do in an afternoon. Simply unscrew the old hardware and screw in the new pieces – it’s that easy!
If you’re looking for something with a little more impact, consider updating your light fixtures. This is a great way to add some style to your house without breaking the bank. You can find beautiful light fixtures for under $100, and they’ll make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your home.
Remember, the goal is to make your house look its best so that potential buyers can see themselves living there. These quick upgrades will help you do just that.
Day 8 – Landscaping
Welcome to Day Eight in our prep guide to sell your house in 14 days. Today, we’re going to be talking about landscaping – specifically, how to make your yard look its best so that potential buyers will be immediately impressed when they pull up to your house.
First things first: if you have any dead plants or flowers, it’s time to get rid of them. No one wants to see a yard full of brown and withered plants, so take the time to remove them before showing your house.
Next, make sure all of your bushes are trimmed and neat. This includes trimming back any branches that might be hanging over walkways or obscuring windows. Once everything is trimmed, give your lawn a good mowing and edge the
First impressions matter, and your home’s curb appeal is the first thing potential buyers will see. If your landscaping is in dire need of an update, now is the time to take care of it.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money – or any money at all – to make a big impact. Simply cleaning up your yard and trimming back overgrown bushes can make a world of difference. Mulching flower beds and planting some fresh flowers is also a great way to add color and life to your landscape.
If you have the time and budget for it, you may want to consider hiring a professional landscaper to give your yard a complete makeover. This is an investment that will pay off when you sell your house.
Day 9 – The Details
Welcome to Day Nine of our prep guide to sell your house in 14 days. Today, we’re going to be talking about the details – specifically, how to take care of all the small things that can make a big difference when selling your house.
It’s time to tackle those pesky little tasks that always seem to get put off. This might include cleaning out the gutters, washing the windows, dusting the lamp, cleaning the roof if your house is under trees, or trimming back trees on your property. These might not be the most exciting tasks, but they’ll make a big difference in how your house looks and potential buyers perceive it.
Finally, look at your house from the outside and ensure everything is in tip-top shape. This means power washing the exterior, fixing any cracked or chipped paint, and making sure the gutters are clean. Again, these details will make a big impression on potential buyers.
Remember, the goal is to make your house look its best so that potential buyers can see themselves living there. By taking care of all the small details, you’ll be one step closer to achieving that goal.
Day 10 – Packing Up Your Stuff
Welcome to Day Ten of our prep guide to sell your house in 14 days. Today, we’re going to be talking about packing up your stuff – specifically, how to pack up your belongings so that they’re out of the way when potential buyers come to see your house.
First things first: start by making a list of the items you need to pack. This might include clothes, dishes, books, and any other personal belongings. Once you have your list, start packing up these items one by one.
Next, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to store all of your packed belongings. If you have a storage unit or spare room in your house, great! If not, you may need to get creative and find a place to store these items
Day 11 – Depersonalize your House
Welcome to Day Eleven of our prep guide to sell your house in 14 days. Today, we’re going to be talking about how to depersonalize your house so that potential buyers can see themselves living there.
This might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. Start by removing all personal photos and mementos from your walls and shelves. These items are distracting and make it difficult for potential buyers to envision themselves in your home.
Next, take a look at the paint colors in your house. If you have any bold or bright colors, consider painting over them with something more neutral. This will help create a blank canvas for potential buyers to work with.
Finally, remove any large pieces of furniture or décor that make your house feel cramped or cluttered. You want potential buyers to be able to walk through your house and envision their own belongings in the space.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to depersonalizing your house and making it more appealing to potential buyers.
Day 12 – Paint your Front Door
Welcome to Day Twelve of our prep guide to sell your house in 14 days. Today, we’re going to be talking about how to paint your front door so that it makes a good first impression on potential buyers.
First things first: remove any old paint or sealant from your front door. This will help the new paint adhere better and provide a smooth surface for painting.
Next, choose a color that compliments the exterior of your house. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral color will go a long way in making your house look more inviting.
Finally, make sure you take the time to properly prep and paint your front door. This includes sanding down any rough edges, priming the door, and applying two coats of paint.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be sure to have a front door that makes a great first impression on potential buyers.
Day 13 – Exterior Lighting
Welcome to Day Thirteen of our prep guide to sell your house in 14 days. Today, we’re going to be talking about how to improve your house’s curb appeal with exterior lighting.
First things first: take a look at the existing light fixtures on your house. If they’re old or outdated, consider replacing them with something more modern. This will give your house an instant face-lift.
Next, add some additional lighting around your front door and porch area. This will make it more welcoming for potential buyers and make it easier for them to see your house at night.
Finally, don’t forget about landscape lighting! Adding lights along walkways and in gardens will create a warm and inviting atmosphere for potential buyers
Here are some suggestions
Day 14 – Stage your home to increase value and desirability
When you’re getting your house ready to sell, it’s important to stage it in a way that will increase its value and desirability. This means removing any personal belongings, such as family photos or heirlooms, and replacing them with more neutral items. It also means decluttering your house so that potential buyers can see its full potential.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available to help you stage your home. You can find helpful tips online or hire a professional stager to do the job for you.
Staging your home is an important part of the selling process – and it’s something that you should take care of well before potential buyers come to see your house. By taking the time to stage your home, you’re increasing its value and making it more appealing to potential buyers.
The Final Walkthrough
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of our prep guide to sell your house in 14 days. By now, your house should be sparkling clean and ready for showings.
Before you start scheduling appointments, there’s one last thing you need to do – a final walkthrough. This is where you check for any last-minute items that need to be fixed or cleaned.
It’s also a good time to take some final photos of your house so you can have them on hand when potential buyers come to see your house.
Once you’ve done the final walkthrough and taken some photos, you’re ready to start scheduling appointments with potential buyers. Congratulations – you’re one step closer to selling your house! Thanks for following our guide.