What you need to do NOW to sell your home... and find a new property for 2026

Daily Mail​

4 days ago

Selling your home can be a headache - from finding a real estate agent, to listing the property, and finding somewhere else to live, many sellers may be wondering where to even start.
The truth is - you don't need a degree or copious amounts of cash to prepare your home for the market.
Joey Bordi, the senior designer and project manager for City Real Estate, a firm based in San Francisco, California, spoke exclusively with Daily Mail, revealing the easy and even free tips that sellers can do to get their home in tip-top shape.
As a designer and project manager, Bordi works with real estate agents to prep their listings to reach maximum value.
He said one of the worst mistakes sellers can make is keeping their home hyper-personalized, making it impossible for a buyer to envision themselves there.
'Your home is your safe space and you should live in your home how you want to, but when you're going to sell it, it really needs to be palatable to the widest reach of buyers,' he said.
Bordi advised keeping the home as empty as possible and sticking to a neutral color palette so that potential buyers can envision themselves living in the space.
He gave the example of a green couch - someone may love the concept of a bold color for their sofa, but if a potential buyer hates green, that may be all they remember from the viewing.
'If it's a neutral palette - it's aspirational living,' Bordi explained.
Keeping the décor simple so that buyers can picture their own style and furniture in the space can help them envision themselves living there.
Personalized decorations, including family photos, kids' drawings, and unique styles, make potential buyers feel like they're walking into someone else's home instead of seeing their future home.
'Buyers don't want to feel like they're intruding on your family memories,' Bordi advised.
'Think model home, not a walk down memory lane.'
Staying true to the bones
Bordi cautioned that there isn't a one-size-fits-all for prepping your home, and sellers can best maximize their property's value by staying true to its architecture.
Selecting a design that meshes well with the home's style makes it more cohesive. Modern finishes and designs may look amazing in a contemporary home, but can be an eyesore in an older house.
Painting everything white may be the first instinct when making a home more versatile; however, it can hide certain homes that have unique character.
'If you have beautiful woodwork, paint the walls white, but don't paint the trims and the moldings,' Bordi said.
'We always leave those untouched and give that option to the new buyer.'
The designer also warned against black finishes. It may seem like an easy way to update a space, but it can be a mistake.
'Black is a timeless finish. But I think it could go wrong really fast if it's done incorrectly,' Bordi said.
'Just because something's new and trendy, it might not work in your classic home or your hyper-modern home.'
Sleek, modern styles have become a popular trend in interior design. Minimalist decorations, glossy furnishings, and sharp lines have recently risen to prominence.
However, Bordi said the trend is on the decline and more sellers are opting not to decorate traditional spaces with hyper-modern furniture.
He explained that the design is great for certain clients, but doesn't appeal to the masses. A space needs to invite potential buyers, and modern pieces may deter certain individuals from envisioning themselves in the space.
More expensive isn't always better
Bordi emphasized that opting for the more expensive improvement won't always pay off in the long run.
He explained that picking materials for a home remodel should match the home's value.
If the materials outvalue the home and the buyer doesn't like the renovation, it could end up being a waste of money for the seller.
Bordi clarified that multi-million-dollar homes should have high-quality materials to match their worth, but modest homes don't need that level of investment.
If a homeowner wants to renovate a home to live in it forever, Bordi advised going all out, but those who are planning to sell should purchase materials modestly.
The designer revealed that two of the biggest mistakes he sees sellers make are focusing on the wrong areas and spending too much money.
'Kitchens and baths sell homes,' Bordi emphasized, adding that these areas should be the homeowner's primary focus when preparing their homes to sell at maximum value.
Picking a realtor
It may seem like the hard work is done once a home is in tip-top shape, but it's just getting started.
Finding a realtor to put a home on the market is no easy feat.
Bordi said that the first red flag homeowners should look for when choosing a realtor is a 'yes man'.
He cautioned that the best agent will be honest about the improvements that need to be made instead of promising off the bat that the home will sell.
Bordi also pushed homeowners to do their research and meet with multiple brokers and compare notes.
If three experts say your kitchen needs a renovation, your kitchen needs a renovation, he said.
Lastly, and perhaps most simply, he said to tap into your network, reach out to friends, colleagues, and family members for recommendations on the best agents.
Joey Bordi's top tips for homeowners
Joey Bordi, a project manager and in-house designer for City Real Estate, a firm based in San Francisco, California, shared his must-do tips for homeowners preparing to sell their homes.
Scenario 1: Homeowners living in the home during the selling process (no-cost improvements)
Depersonalize - Hide the family tree
We know you love your kids' school photos and your wedding collage, but buyers don't want to feel like they're intruding on your family memories. Remove personal photos, diplomas, and any overly specific décor. Think model home, not a walk down memory lane.
Bathroom detox
Toothbrushes, razors, and shampoo bottles everywhere? Tuck them away. Clear off counters and showers completely to transform bathrooms into spa-like retreats, not a chaotic morning rush.
Declutter like a minimalist on a mission
Buyers will open your cabinets and closets. If they're stuffed to the brim, it suggests a lack of space. Clear out your closets to 50 percent capacity, tidy up the garage, and leave room to showcase the storage potential.
Clean like you mean it
Under the sofa. Inside kitchen drawers. Behind the toilet. Now's the time for a deep clean, like your in-laws are coming for a white-glove inspection. A spotless home signals pride of ownership, and that's priceless to a buyer.
Power wash the first impression
Before stepping into your home, buyers will see your driveway. Power wash the walkways, patios, and garage to make everything look fresh and new. Clean windows (inside and out) flood your space with light and instantly elevate the mood.
Scenario 2: Homeowners living in the home during the selling process (minimal cost improvements)
Fresh coat of paint
A fresh coat of paint works wonders - it brightens rooms, neutralizes odors (goodbye curry smell), and adds a crisp, clean feel. Don't forget the exterior - a pop of color on the front door or window trims can do wonders for curb appeal.
Light it up
Outdated lighting fixtures? Swap them out for modern styles to make your home feel updated instantly. Bonus points for bright, warm bulbs that help set the mood during showings.
Curb appeal starts with mulch
No need for a full garden overhaul to impress. Trim hedges, mow the lawn, and add a fresh layer of mulch to flower beds. First impressions start at the sidewalk, and a little effort goes a long way.
Bloom B=boosters
Fresh flowers can make a space feel luxurious and welcoming. A simple bouquet on the coffee table or kitchen island adds color and life to the space - it's a small touch that makes a big impact.
Scenario 3: Owners have moved out, home is empty (low-cost improvements)
Paint inside and out
Neutrals are your best friend. A fresh coat of soft, versatile paint refreshes the space and creates a cohesive feel. For the exterior, a fresh coat on the trim or siding can significantly boost curb appeal.
Give floors a glow-up
Worn-out carpet dragging the vibe down? Replace it, or refinish hardwood floors for a polished look. Clean, well-maintained floors show that the home is move-in ready and cared for - buyers will notice.
Kitchen & bath facelifts (without the full renovation)
No need for a full remodel - just update the finishes. New cabinet hardware, modern faucets, sleek lighting, and affordable quartz countertops can take your kitchen and bathrooms from outdated to stunning. These are the key rooms, so make them shine.
Landscape like you mean it
Crisp lawns, vibrant flowers, and well-maintained hedges help create a welcoming outdoor space. Whether it's morning coffee on the porch or weekend BBQs in the yard, buyers want to envision a lifestyle. Thoughtful landscaping helps them do just that.