Preparing Your DeSoto TX Home for Market – A Room-by-Room Guide

By Steven Thomas | Refind Realty

Selling your home in DeSoto is an exciting step. To make it stand out, you need to showcase each room at its best. Here’s my proven, room-by-room checklist to help you attract top offers—because You’re Always Home With Refind Realty!

1. Curb Appeal & Exterior

• Front yard: Mow the lawn, trim shrubbery, pull weeds. Add fresh mulch or flowers for a welcoming curb.

• Front door: Give it a fresh coat of paint in a neutral hue. Polish hardware and update house numbers. A clean entry lights the way for first impressions.

2. Entryway & Hallways

• Declutter: Remove personal items like shoes, coats, and backpacks. Aim for a clean, open path.

• Lighting: Ensure overhead lights are bright and functional. Consider adding a mirror to amplify light and space.

3. Living Room

• Furniture layout: Arrange seating to showcase the room’s flow. Keep pathways clear.

• Neutral decor: Soften bold colors and patterns. Add a few tasteful accents to freshen up the space.

• Deep clean: Vacuum carpets, clean upholstery, dust surfaces, and wash windows inside and out.

4. Kitchen

• Clear counters: Store small appliances. Showcase space by leaving countertops mostly empty.

• Cabinet facelift: Clean these from top to bottom. Consider repainting or updating hardware for a modern look.

• Appliance polish: Make stainless steel and glass shine. Fix any broken handles or cracked doors.

5. Dining Area

• Set the table: Stage with simple placemats, a centerpiece, and clean linens.

• Open space: Move kid toys or office setups. Create a clear dining vision.

6. Home Office / Flex Space

• Neutralize: Remove personal items, such as diplomas or family photos.

• Stage simply: A clean desk, a lamp, and a few office accessories can help buyers imagine using the space.

7. Primary Bedroom

• Declutter and depersonalize: Too many photos or keepsakes distract buyers.

• Crisp bedding: Use neutral colors and minimal decorative pillows.

• Closet care: Organize and remove excess. A neat closet looks more spacious.

8. Secondary Bedrooms

• Versatility: Stage kids’ rooms as guest rooms or offices—one room, one purpose.

• Neutral tones: Keep bedding and decor simple, with minimal personal items.

9. Bathrooms

• Sparkle: Clean grout and fixtures. Replace old shower curtains and give mirrors a streak-free shine.

• Simple accessories: Display fresh white towels and a neutral soap dish.

• Function first: Fix leaky faucets, loose tile, and broken lighting.

10. Laundry Room

• Clear counters and shelves: Store laundry supplies out of sight.

• Functional presentation: Stage with a basket of fresh towels—look clean and organized.

11. Garage & Storage

• Tidy up: Sweep floors, tidy tools, and bikes.

• Leave room to visualize: Buyers want to see space for vehicles and storage.

12. Outdoor Areas & Backyard

• Maintain lawn: Mow, edge, and remove debris. Add potted plants for a fresh look.

• Patio staging: Show seating options, a clean grill, and maybe an outdoor rug.

Final Walk-Through & Extras

• Smells: Aim for fresh air—skip strong scents.

• Minor repairs: Tighten loose handles, replace burned-out bulbs, fix door squeaks.

• Pre-show freshen-up: Vacuum, wipe surfaces, and keep beds made for last-minute showings.

Why This Works

This room-by-room strategy makes your DeSoto home feel clean, spacious, and move-in ready. Buyers notice the difference between a staged home and a lived-in one. You’ll attract better offers and sell more quickly—my goal for every seller.

Next Steps

When you’re ready to prepare your home, let’s connect. I’ll walk through your space with you and prioritize what matters most.

Download the Lone Star App here https://lonestarliving.hsidx.com/@sthomas and let’s get your home market-ready. Remember, You’re Always Home With Refind Realty!

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to prep a home in DeSoto?
A: With planning, most homes are ready in 1–2 weeks. I’ll help you prioritize tasks for speed and impact.

Q: Should I do renovations before listing?
A: Only make minor updates like fresh paint, hardware swaps, and landscaping. Major remodels may not yield the highest ROI.

Q: How much staging is recommended?
A: I advise light staging—clear clutter, neutral bedding, and simple décor. It looks clean without over-investing.

Q: Do buyers really care about a clean garage and storage?
A: Yes. When storage looks spacious, buyers feel like the home has room for their lifestyle—especially in DeSoto.

Q: What are common mistakes sellers make?
A: Over-personalizing space, skipping exterior cleaning, and ignoring small repairs. These can cost thousands at offer time.