Selling your house in Des Moines can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can make the process smoother and faster. Buyers today want homes that are well-maintained, move-in ready, and priced right—so taking the time to fix up your home and market it properly can make a big difference.
A few simple improvements, smart pricing, and good marketing can help you attract more buyers and sell your home quickly. Whether it’s fixing small repairs, improving curb appeal, or listing your home the right way, each step plays a role in getting the best offer.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- The key things to fix before selling
- The best home upgrades to boost value
- Tips to sell your house fast
Selling doesn’t have to be stressful! With the right approach, you’ll be ready to put your home on the market and get the best deal possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your house ready for sale in Des Moines, from decluttering and deep cleaning to pricing and listing it strategically!
1. Declutter and Organize to Create a Spacious Feel
Buyers want to see open, spacious rooms, not cluttered spaces filled with personal items. Decluttering makes your home look bigger, cleaner, and move-in ready.
- Remove unnecessary furniture to make rooms look larger
- Clear out closets and storage areas to show ample space
- Pack away personal items, family photos, and knick-knacks
- Use storage bins or rent a unit for excess belongings
A decluttered home helps buyers picture themselves living there. Remove more than 50% of your belongings. Remember, the house is now for the buyers specifically, so you need to make it as impersonal as possible. This will help the buyers to see themselves living in that house and decorating it in their colors. This, as a result, can assist in them making the decision faster!
2. Deep Clean Every Corner to Make a Great First Impression
A spotless home gives buyers confidence that it’s been well cared for. Deep cleaning should include:
- Scrubbing floors, walls, and baseboards
- Washing windows and letting in natural light
- Cleaning kitchen appliances, cabinets, and countertops
- Deep-cleaning carpets and refreshing hardwood floors
- Eliminating odors with fresh air, candles, or diffusers
A sparkling clean home looks newer, feels fresher, and attracts better offers. A clean home also promises a fresh start. To improve the appeal of the house the buyers need to notice the clean grouts, switchboards, fresh scent of the house, and shining windows. Remove all signs of past ownership and give your home a fresh start!
3. Fix Repairs That Could Turn Buyers Away
Buyers often look for reasons to negotiate the price or walk away from a sale. Stay ahead by fixing common household issues:
- Leaky faucets and running toilets
- Squeaky doors, broken handles, and loose cabinets
- Cracked walls, chipped paint, and damaged flooring
- HVAC, electrical, or plumbing problems
Small repairs add up to big value and help you avoid last-minute surprises during a home inspection. These also increase the value of your house to make sure that all
4. Boost Curb Appeal to Attract More Buyers
First impressions matter! When buyers pull up to your home, the exterior should feel inviting and well-maintained.
- Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and add fresh mulch
- Power wash the driveway, siding, and front porch
- Repaint the front door and replace old house numbers
- Add potted plants or flowers for a pop of color
A well-kept exterior increases buyer interest and can even boost your home’s value. Love at first sight is your strongest advantage—use it wisely. Make buyers confident in their decision the moment they step inside!
5. Refresh Walls with Neutral Paint Colors
Bright or outdated paint colors can turn buyers off. A fresh coat of neutral paint makes your home look modern, clean, and move-in ready.
- Choose warm, neutral tones like beige, gray, or off-white
- Paint over scuff marks and touch up baseboards
- Avoid bold colors that might not suit every buyer’s taste
Neutral walls create a blank canvas for buyers and help your home feel bigger and brighter. This helps you expand the space with the help of illusion as well as give that blank slate for the buyers to paint over with their preferences.
6. Depersonalize and Stage Your Home for Broad Appeal
Buyers want to envision their own future in your home, not feel like they’re walking into someone else’s space.
- Remove personal photos, religious décor, and personal collections
- Replace family-specific artwork with neutral decorations
- Stage furniture to maximize space and highlight key features
- Use fresh flowers, throw pillows, and stylish accents to add warmth
A well-staged home feels welcoming and allows buyers to connect with the space.
7. Upgrade Kitchens and Bathrooms to Maximize Value
Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, so even small upgrades can make a huge difference.
- Update cabinet hardware and faucets for a modern look
- Re-caulk bathtubs and sinks for a fresh, clean finish
- Add bright, matching towels and simple décor for a spa-like feel
- Replace outdated light fixtures to brighten the space
These affordable improvements can make your home feel high-end without a major renovation.
8. Improve Lighting to Make Your Home Feel Bigger and Brighter
Good lighting makes a home feel warm, inviting, and spacious.
- Open all curtains and blinds for natural light
- Replace dim or outdated light bulbs with bright LED ones
- Use lamps and mirrors to enhance darker spaces
- Install modern light fixtures for an instant upgrade
A well-lit home feels more appealing and welcoming to buyers.
9. Get Professional Photos for a Standout Listing
Buyers shop online first, and high-quality listing photos can make or break their decision to schedule a showing.
- Hire a real estate photographer for professional images
- Make sure photos highlight your home’s best features
- Include wide-angle shots to showcase space and layout
Better photos lead to more online views, more showings, and faster offers.
Ready to list your home? Learn the best time to sell for maximum profit
Price Your Home Competitively & Consider an As-Is Sale
Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important factors in selling quickly and for top dollar. Setting the price too high can scare off buyers, while pricing too low could mean leaving money on the table. To find the sweet spot, research recent home sales in your area, analyze current market trends, and consult a real estate professional for a strategic pricing plan. In some cases, pricing slightly below market value can attract multiple offers and spark bidding wars, leading to a higher final sale price. To summarise:
- Compare recent home sales in your area
- Consult with a real estate agent for a strategic pricing plan
- Consider pricing slightly below market value to spark bidding wars
- Use popular platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and MLS
However, if you want to sell your home fast without repairs, showings, or the hassle of listing, working with an as-is home buying company could be the best option. These companies buy homes in any condition, meaning you can skip the costly upgrades, deep cleaning, and staging process. They provide fair cash offers, often closing in a matter of days, making them an ideal solution for homeowners looking for a quick, stress-free sale. If you’re considering selling as-is, research trusted local home buyers who offer transparent pricing and a hassle-free experience. Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC is one of such companies!
Want to sell faster? Check out our expert tips for selling as-is
Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC: Who We Are and What We Do.
Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC has been buying houses in Des Moines, Iowa and the surrounding areas for over two decades, making a positive impact and building a strong, respected reputation for their company.
Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC will buy your home in its as-is condition, with no repairs, cleanings, or hassles needed. All with a 100% cash deal and closing date as soon as seven days! So if you want the fastest, cheapest, and most efficient way of selling your house then you know where to go! Contact us now!
FAQs.
1. What are the most important things to fix before selling my house?
Fixing minor repairs like leaky faucets, chipped paint, and loose cabinet handles can make a big difference. Major concerns like roof issues, HVAC problems, and plumbing leaks should also be addressed if possible, as they can turn buyers away or lead to low offers.
2. How can I sell my house quickly in Des Moines,IA?
To sell fast, declutter, deep clean, boost curb appeal, and price your home competitively. Listing with high-quality photos and a strong online presence also increases interest. If you need to sell as-is without repairs or showings, consider working with a cash home buyer for a quick and hassle-free sale.
3. Is it worth making home improvements before selling?
Yes! Small upgrades like painting walls in neutral colors, updating kitchen hardware, and improving lighting can make your home more appealing. However, if you’re looking to sell without investing in repairs or upgrades, selling to an as-is home buying company might be the best option.
4. How do I set the right price for my house?
Pricing too high can scare away buyers, while pricing too low could leave money on the table. Research recent sales in your area, check current market trends, and consult a real estate professional to find the best price point. Some sellers price slightly below market value to attract more buyers and spark bidding wars.
5. What is an as-is home buying company, and how does it work?
An as-is home-buying company purchases homes in any condition, meaning you don’t have to make repairs, deep clean, or stage the property. They offer a fair cash price and can close within days, making it an ideal solution for sellers who want a fast and stress-free sale.
