30-Day Plan to Prepare Your New Hampshire Home for the Market

Selling your home in New Hampshire can feel overwhelming, especially if you're working with a tight timeline. But with a...

Suzanne Damon
October 15th, 2024
4 min read

Selling your home in New Hampshire can feel overwhelming, especially if you're working with a tight timeline. But with a focused plan and some effort, you can get your home market-ready in just 30 days. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you tackle the process and ensure your home shines for potential buyers in the Granite State.

Day 1-7: Declutter and Deep Clean

Start by decluttering every room. Go through closets, cabinets, and storage spaces to eliminate anything you don’t need. Remember, less is more when it comes to selling—buyers want to see the space, not your stuff. If necessary, consider renting a storage unit or donating, selling, or tossing everything extra.

Next, give your home a deep clean. Scrub floors, wipe down walls, clean baseboards, and make sure every nook and cranny is spotless. This is especially important as fall approaches in New Hampshire, when leaves and debris can accumulate quickly. If it feels like too much to tackle, don’t hesitate to hire a professional cleaning service. A clean home feels well cared for and leaves a great first impression.

Day 8-14: Focus on Repairs and Maintenance

With your home clean and decluttered, it’s time to address any minor repairs or maintenance tasks you’ve been putting off. Fix leaky faucets, tighten loose cabinet handles, patch up holes in the walls, and touch up paint where needed. Don't overlook the small things like squeaky doors or burnt-out light bulbs—these details matter when buyers are evaluating a property.

Pay special attention to your home’s exterior. In New Hampshire, curb appeal is crucial, as buyers often appreciate the natural beauty of the region. Make sure your lawn is mowed, bushes are trimmed, and flower beds are weeded. Clean the gutters if necessary, power wash the siding, and ensure the front door looks welcoming. A little attention to the outside can draw buyers in, especially as the vibrant New England foliage frames your home.

Day 15-21: Make Small Upgrades That Pack a Punch

You don’t need to completely renovate your home before selling, but small, budget-friendly upgrades can significantly enhance its perceived value. Think about giving rooms a fresh coat of neutral paint, replacing outdated light fixtures, or updating hardware in the kitchen and bathrooms. These quick fixes can give your home a more modern feel without breaking the bank.

Another smart move is to stage your home to make it look its best. Rearrange furniture to open up spaces and add a few simple, stylish touches like fresh flowers or new throw pillows. If you’re not sure where to start, consider hiring a professional stager—they can work wonders with what you already have and highlight the charm of your New Hampshire home.

Day 22-27: Get Professional Photos

Great photos can make or break a listing. Once your home is in tip-top shape, hire a professional photographer to capture it at its best. Bright, high-quality images will help your home stand out online and attract more potential buyers. In New Hampshire’s competitive market, beautiful photos showcasing your home’s unique features and surroundings can make all the difference. If you’ve got a good eye and the right equipment, you can try taking the photos yourself, but in most cases, it’s worth investing in a pro.

Day 28-30: Prepare for Showings

With everything ready to go, it’s time to prepare for showings. Make sure your home is always clean and tidy, and remove any personal items like family photos or personal collections. Buyers need to picture themselves in the space, so aim for a neutral, welcoming vibe.

Before each showing, turn on lights, open curtains, and ensure your home smells fresh. In New Hampshire, where outdoor activities are popular, consider showcasing any outdoor spaces that buyers might enjoy during all four seasons. A little extra effort here can help buyers feel comfortable and make your home more inviting.

Seem like a lot?

We’ve got you covered. With our guidance, you can take your home from “meh” to market-ready in a snap—with less stress and more success. Get in touch today to start your journey to a successful home sale in New Hampshire!

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About the author

Suzanne Damon

603-493-5561

Partnering with a real estate agent you can trust, who has the proven experience, knowledge and negotiating skills to succeed, is as priceless as the home you’re buying or selling. With over 30 years of exceeding expectations in residential sales, Suzanne Damon is an unparalleled expert and advisor when it comes to your real estate needs. Suzanne’s extensive experience and proven track record as a buyer and listing agent, investment advisor, property management and marketing specialist have earned her coveted recognition as a leader in the nation. The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s Business Review have ranked her as a top-producing Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist for her outstanding level of service, and ability to produce results. Suzanne currently ranks in the top 10% of agents in New Hampshire and heads a talented full-time staff that assists her. The most important measure of success, however, is the reputation she enjoys with her clients, who reward her excellence with ongoing repeat and referral business. Known for her unique attentive approach and “client-first” philosophy, Suzanne embodies all the skills and qualities required of an outstanding real estate professional. The integrity, in-depth market knowledge, marketing savvy, expert negotiating and quality network she brings each client and deal are the hallmarks of how she works. Putting clients first also means being accountable, accessible and responsive. Whether you are buying or selling a home in the Manchester, Bedford, Goffstown, Hooksett, Londonderry, Auburn or Candia areas, Suzanne is at your side protecting your best interest and helping achieve your goals. Prestigious industry affiliations and accomplishments also set Suzanne apart. She is a designated REALTOR member of the Greater Manchester/Nashua Board of REALTORS, a member of the New Hampshire Women’s Council of REALTORS, and recipient of the prestigious ABR, CLMHS, and CRS designations. Suzanne has trained intensively in various facets of real estate, from financing and legal matters to appraisal and taxation. She also founded two thriving organizations: her own brokerage company in Hooksett, NH which she managed and sold to a large franchise, and DAMON HOMES, LLC, managed by her husband and son, which develops raw land for enhancement of the community. Personally, Suzanne has been married to an incredible man for over 32 years, with whom she raised three wonderful children. Their close family spends as much time together as possible and loves to travel when time allows.