What Should I Do to Get My Central Iowa Home Ready to Sell in 2026?

By Misty Darling

Professional service with an emphasis on guidance, planning, and dedication to my clients’ needs are my top priority.

Are you planning to sell your home this year? Getting a head start can make the process a lot less stressful. When you prepare early, you have time to focus on the steps that really matter and help your home catch buyers’ attention.

The first step is simply starting the conversation. Many homeowners tell me they just want to finish a few projects before bringing in an agent, and I always tell them that’s exactly what I’m here for.

I can help you figure out which projects make sense and which don’t. Beginning early gives you more control and ensures your home is ready to impress buyers the moment it hits the market.

Once you have a plan in place, you can focus on a few key steps that make the biggest impact. Here are the essential areas to prioritize:

1. Deep clean and declutter. Buyers want to picture themselves living in your space. They don’t want to feel like they’re walking through someone else’s belongings. That means removing personal photos, clearing countertops, and organizing closets, basements, and garages.

A clean, clutter-free home immediately feels more inviting. Don’t forget curb appeal. Even in winter, when flowers aren’t available, adding fresh mulch or other decorative elements can make your home look well cared for and welcoming from the outside.

2. Make smart repairs and upgrades. Fix leaky faucets, replace burnt-out light bulbs, and touch up paint.

I also offer a certified pre-owned home program that includes a pre-inspection checklist. This gives you a clear list of things to focus on and helps you get ahead of any issues a buyer’s home inspector might notice. Taking care of these details puts you in control and gives your home the best chance to sell smoothly.

3. Stage for the modern buyer. Staging is not about making your home perfect for how you currently live. It’s about highlighting its potential. Use neutral tones, warm lighting, and arrange furniture to create a better space and flow. We provide staging consultations and room-by-room checklists to help you make every area look its best.

Keep in mind that many buyers begin their home search online. High-quality photos, 3D interactive tours, and video walkthroughs make your home stand out in a crowded market and attract serious buyers.

If you’re planning to sell your home in 2026, don’t wait until the last minute. Just reach out to (515) 346-6204, email Misty@MistySOLD.com, or visit mistysoldteamiowa.com. I’ll walk you through a customized plan to clean, stage, price, and launch your home effectively. By taking these steps upfront, I can help your home sell faster, attract motivated buyers, and achieve the best possible return.