Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
🧽 The 3 Ds of Prepping Your Home for Market: Declutter, Depersonalize, Detail
You’ve probably heard the saying: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
When it comes to real estate, that first impression happens before the buyer ever steps foot inside your home. It happens online, through photos, and the emotional response they get the moment they walk through the door.
If you’re preparing to sell in Peoria, Tazewell, or Woodford County, here’s the good news: You don’t need to spend thousands remodeling to make your home stand out. In fact, most sellers just need to focus on the 3 Ds:
Declutter. Depersonalize. Detail.
I’ve used this exact framework to help sellers across Central IL prep their homes and get top dollar—without a major renovation.
1. 🧹 Declutter: Less Is Always More
Buyers need to be able to see the space, not your stuff. Too much furniture, overstuffed closets, and cluttered countertops make even a large home feel cramped and chaotic.
Here’s how to declutter like a pro:
-
Start with surfaces. Clear off counters, nightstands, dressers, and tables. One or two decorative items is plenty.
-
Trim furniture. If a room feels tight, remove that extra recliner or bulky side table. You’re not decorating—you’re showcasing space.
-
Box it up. Pack away seasonal items, toys, books, and anything you don’t use weekly. Rent a storage unit or fill the garage (buyers expect it to be full anyway).
-
Simplify closets. Buyers will peek inside. A closet that’s half full says, “there’s plenty of space.” A packed closet says, “this place is bursting at the seams.”
Pro tip: If you’re not sure what’s too much, I’ll walk through your home and give you specific, honest suggestions.
2. 🖼️ Depersonalize: Let Buyers Picture Themselves Living There
We all love our family photos, sports memorabilia, and personal style—but buyers need to imagine their lives in the space, not yours.
Focus on making your home feel neutral and welcoming:
-
Remove family portraits and personalized décor
-
Swap out bold or polarizing artwork for something simple and universal
-
If your walls are painted in loud colors (bright red, lime green, deep purple), consider a fresh coat in a soft, neutral tone like greige or warm white
You don’t need to strip every bit of character—but the goal is to create a blank canvas that invites the buyer to mentally move in.
3. 🧼 Detail: Clean It Like You’re Going to Be Judged (Because You Are)
Details matter—especially in a competitive market where buyers are comparing your home to 10 others online before ever scheduling a showing.
Detailing your home means going beyond a basic clean:
-
Scrub grout, baseboards, and vents
-
Wipe down doors, trim, and switch plates
-
Clean windows inside and out
-
Shampoo carpets or replace if they’re stained
-
Make sure every room smells fresh—but not artificially perfumed
If cleaning isn’t your thing or you’re pressed for time, hire a pro. The investment almost always pays off in higher offers and a faster sale.
🏡 Why This Works
These 3 steps—Declutter, Depersonalize, and Detail—are the difference between a home that sits on the market and one that sells quickly and for top dollar.
I’ve helped hundreds of Central Illinois homeowners get their properties photo-ready and showing-ready using this exact formula. In many cases, we’ve been able to add $5,000–$15,000 in perceived value without a single renovation—just by presenting the home like a model.
🗓️ Ready to Get Market-Ready?
You don’t have to do this alone. I’ll walk through your home and give you honest feedback about what to pack, clean, fix, or leave alone—so you don’t waste time or money.
Let’s get your home ready to shine. When you’re ready to list, Call Duvall!
📞 309-200-5480
🌐 CallDuvall.com
#CallDuvall #JimMaloofRealtor #SellYourHome #PeoriaRealEstate #HomeStagingTips #TazewellCountyHomes #CentralILHomes #ListingPrep #RealEstateAdvice #DeclutterDepersonalizeDetail
