Don’t Let This Be Your Selling Day Regret

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There’s a moment when every seller realizes they should have done this sooner. Maybe it’s the chipped paint, the cracked window, or the overflowing basement but at some point, almost every seller says something like, “I wish we’d done this sooner.” Or even, “I wish I had loved my home more.”

And believe it or not, we once had a seller, after completing everything on our seller’s home prep list, tell us they no longer wanted to sell.

Because once you patch the cracks, freshen the paint, declutter the basement and finally check off those lingering to-dos, the house starts to feel different. It looks and feels cared for. Less like a list of projects, and more like a place you actually enjoy coming home to.

So whether you're thinking about selling next year or maybe you have zero plans to move, there’s still something to be said for tackling the little things now, before they pile up into regrets later.

Sharing a few easy wins to get you started.

1. Declutter but keep it simple. It’s no secret we all have way too much stuff. Start with the surfaces. A clean surface = fresh energy.
2. Deep clean your house. Move the furniture, dust/wash the light fixtures, wash what you can, think blankets, pillows and curtains.
3. Clean your windows. Trust me when I say this is a game changer.
4. Get your carpets cleaned.
5. Dust your baseboards. If you have painted trim, grab a paint brush and touch them up.
6. Paint the room, the wall, the cabinets, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way.
7. Replace the broken or outdated light fixtures. Light fixtures don’t have to be expensive, I’ve linked one of my favorites here, it’s $39.97 and would be perfect for an entryway, hallway or bedroom.
8. Rotate and refresh without spending a dime. Swap your pictures, restyle a bookshelf, rearrange the living room.
9. Throw away the dead houseplants. They’re not doing anyone any favors.
10. Clean your oven, the microwave and your refrigerator. Throw away anything that’s expired.
11. Clean the toilets, the shower and buy new towels.
12. Treat yourself to some fresh flowers and light a candle.

A little refresh here, a small shift there, and suddenly everything feels new again. Sometimes, it just takes a few simple changes to remind us why we fell in love with our space in the first place.

The best part? When you invest time and care into your home now, you’re not just making it feel better today. You’re setting yourself up for a smoother, simpler experience if and when you decide to sell. Your future self will thank you.

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As always, from all of us here at Matt Engen Group, thanks for reading.

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