If you’ve ever considered selling your home, you might have balked at the idea of taking on such a huge, stress-inducing project. In fact, research has found that the stresses of the selling process led to tears in over 30% of adults.

The uncertainty of dealing with buyers, combined with the worries about selling by a deadline, can make a home sale into a nightmare. However, knowing how to get your house ready for sale can help you reach more buyers, complete the transaction fast, and suffer less stress. If you’re ready to speed your way through this massive endeavor, here’s how to get started.

Figure Out How to Sell Your Home

First things first: figure out how you plan to sell your home. The home selling process you use will dictate your next steps, so it’s important to make a decision before you move further with the steps to selling a house.

If you’re like most people, you may end up going with the tried-and-tested route by hiring a real estate agent. However, if you’re selling a house fast, the traditional route can take time you don’t have.

Common alternatives include making a short sale to your lender, transferring the mortgage to someone else, or selling to a cash buyer like URB Chicago. The latter can often be the fastest way to sell a house, so do some research to figure out what method works for you.

Consider Your Curb Appeal

If you have the time to partner with a listing agent, you’ll need to start planning to attract buyers. For better or worse, people will judge your home by its cover, so you’ll need to ramp up your property’s curb appeal.

Luckily, there are many ways to enhance your home’s appearance, from investing in landscaping to painting your door. Take some time for the right projects to make a great first impression.

Clean and Declutter

Next, move inside to start cleaning and depersonalizing your space. The goal is to help buyers envision their lives in your house, which is easier to do when the space is clear and free of clutter. Pack your things into storage, hire professional cleaners, hide your valuables, and create a neutral and welcoming space in each room.

Make Basic Repairs and Upgrades

From scuffed-up walls to loose handles, you’d be surprised how much signs of wear and tear can negatively impact a buyer’s opinion of a home. Fix anything that’s broken—and if you’re trying to get a better asking price, don’t stop there. Invest some time and money into high-ROI home improvement projects for even better results.

Stage Your Home

When you’re selling your home, smart staging can mean the difference between a bidding war and a hard sell. Take some time to add plants and natural elements, raise the bar with scented candles and essential oils, and consider revamping outdated wall colors or rugs. If you can’t do it yourself, seeking out a professional staging company can make a difference!

Know How to Get Your House Ready to Sell

Despite your uncertainty, knowing how to get your house ready to sell can ease away uncertainty and offer you some extra peace of mind during the daunting sale process. You’ll only need forethought, preparation, and a little elbow grease! Get started on the tasks above to sell your home fast.

For more of the tips you need—for real estate and beyond—be sure to check out our other helpful posts.

Jane