Getting top dollar isn’t luck—it’s preparation. Here’s a clean, step-by-step plan tailored to Coastal Georgia and Northeast Florida so your home shows beautifully and sells quickly.
1) Start with a strategy (1–3 weeks out)
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Schedule a pre-list walkthrough with your agent to map out high-ROI fixes.
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Set a timeline and budget; prioritize items that impact photos, smell, and light.
2) Elevate curb appeal
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Pressure wash siding, walkways, driveway, and the mailbox—humidity shows on soffits and trim.
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Refresh mulch/pinestraw, edge beds, trim shrubs and palms, remove Spanish moss within reach.
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Touch up the front door and hardware; add a fresh doormat and simple potted plants.
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Repair torn screens and replace any burnt-out exterior bulbs.
3) Knock out easy repairs
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Fix leaky faucets, running toilets, loose door handles, squeaky hinges, and cracked switch plates.
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Re-caulk tubs, showers, and kitchen backsplashes.
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Replace fogged window panes and worn weatherstripping.
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Service HVAC and replace filters; clean returns and vents.
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Clear gutters; check fascia/soffit for soft spots.
4) Declutter like you’re moving (because you are)
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Remove ~50% of visible items. Pack early: seasonal clothes, extra kitchen gadgets, bulky décor.
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Aim for closets and cabinets to be no more than 2/3 full.
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Edit furniture to open walkways; store extras off-site if needed.
5) Deep clean = instant equity
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Windows inside/out, baseboards, ceiling fans, light fixtures, door frames, and grout.
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Kitchen: degrease vent hood, polish appliances, clear counters.
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Bathrooms: new white shower curtain/liner, fresh caulk, sparkling glass.
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Neutralize pet areas; vacuum daily before showings.
6) Neutralize and refresh finishes
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Touch-up or repaint in light, warm neutrals (soft white/greige).
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Update bulbs to bright, consistent (3000–4000K) for clean, photo-ready light.
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Swap dated knobs or faucets for simple brushed nickel/black fixtures.
7) Manage humidity, air, and scent
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Keep indoor humidity ~45–50% (dehumidifier or HVAC setting).
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No heavy plug-ins; aim for “smells like nothing.” Fresh air + a subtle clean scent is best.
8) Paperwork that speeds closing
Gather now to avoid delays:
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HOA rules/disclosures, fees, and contact info.
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Survey (or note if not available), permits for major work, receipts for upgrades.
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Flood zone/elevation certificate if applicable.
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WDO/termite history and any transferable warranties (roof, systems, pest).
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12-month utility averages—buyers love this.
9) Stage for the camera (and then for buyers)
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Think hotel clean: crisp white bedding/towels, minimal nightstands, cleared bathroom counters.
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Kitchen: one plant/wood board + one attractive appliance, nothing else.
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Living room: balanced seating, one statement rug, rule-of-three accents.
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Outdoor spaces: define zones (dining, lounging), add cushions and string lights.
10) Pro photos + video = more showings
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Request professional photography, plus video and/or drone where allowed.
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Add a floor plan—it boosts online engagement and helps out-of-area buyers (FLETC/Kings Bay transfers, retirees).
11) Showing game plan
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Create a 10-minute showing checklist:
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Lights on, blinds open, beds tight, counters cleared, quick vacuum, trash out.
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Hide valuables, meds, firearms, documents.
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Pet plan (crates, daycare, quick walk).
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Be flexible on showing windows—momentum matters in the first two weeks.
48-Hour Quick-Start (if you’re short on time)
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Power wash entry + refresh door mat.
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Declutter visible surfaces and floors; fill one donation box.
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Switch all bulbs to bright, matching color temperature.
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Deep clean kitchens/baths; replace grungy caulk/liners.
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Fresh white bedding and towels for photos.
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Gather HOA, survey, permits, warranties, and utility averages.
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Schedule HVAC service + pro photography.
Optional pre-inspection?
For older or coastal-exposed homes, a pre-listing WDO/termite and systems check can surface issues early and strengthen your negotiation position.
Final thought
Beautiful photos get clicks; clean, bright, neutral, and odor-free gets offers. If you want a custom, room-by-room prep plan (and which fixes pay off in your neighborhood), I can walk your home and give you a prioritized list you can knock out in a weekend.
Need a printable checklist or staging shopping list? Say the word and I’ll spin one up tailored to your home and timeline.