How to Prepare Your Home for Sale in a Buyer’s Market (And Still Come Out on Top)

By Dianna Vonderheide, Expert Real Estate Advisor & Templeton Local

Selling your home in a buyer’s market? Take a deep breath—it’s totally doable with the right prep, pricing, and a sprinkle of strategy. Whether the market has cooled, inventory is stacking up, or buyers are taking their sweet time, there are still smart moves you can make to stand out and sell with confidence.

This isn’t your average “declutter and cross your fingers” kind of guide. We’re talking real, effective tips that get your home noticed—and sold. Let’s get into it.

🏡 What Is a Buyer’s Market, Anyway?

A buyer’s market happens when the number of homes for sale outpaces the number of buyers shopping. That means buyers have more choices and more negotiating power, while sellers need to work a little harder to get offers.

But don’t worry. With the right plan, you can still attract serious buyers and get top dollar for your home—even if competition is high.

💰 1. Price It Right the First Time

If you only take one tip away from this post, let it be this: price matters more than ever in a buyer’s market.

Overpricing your home—even by a little—can lead to longer days on market, price reductions, and a weaker negotiating position. The longer a home sits, the more buyers wonder “what’s wrong with it?”

What to do:

• Work with a local real estate agent (👋) to run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) using recent sales—not outdated comps.

• Consider pricing slightly below similar homes to generate buzz and potential multiple offers.

🧽 2. Deep Clean Like You Mean It

You’re not just tidying up—you’re prepping for a performance. Buyers in a competitive market want a home that looks and feels well cared for. A sparkling clean home sends the message: “This place has been loved.”

Pro cleaning checklist:

• Wash all windows (inside and out)

• Scrub bathrooms and kitchens until they gleam

• Shampoo carpets and mop hard floors

• Dust everything (even ceiling fans and baseboards)

• Get rid of odors (yes, even your dog’s favorite blanket)

🛠 3. Handle All the Little Repairs

When buyers have plenty of options, they tend to skip over homes with “quirks.” That dripping faucet or loose door handle may not bother you, but it could be a red flag for buyers wondering what else might be broken.

Fix before you list:

• Leaky faucets and squeaky doors

• Cracked tiles or chipped paint

• Stuck drawers or broken blinds

• Wobbly railing, loose knobs, or anything half-working

📦 4. Declutter and Depersonalize

Your goal is to help buyers envision themselves in the space—not your family, your travel souvenirs, or your kid’s science project.

Make space for imagination:

• Remove personal photos, bold artwork, and excess furniture

• Clear off countertops and surfaces

• Organize closets and cabinets (buyers peek!)

• Store or donate items you don’t need until after the move

✨ 5. Stage It to Sell

Great staging highlights your home’s best features and helps buyers emotionally connect with the space. You don’t need to hire a designer, but a few intentional touches can make a huge difference.

Staging tips that work:

• Use neutral bedding and fresh towels

• Add plants or flowers to liven up spaces

• Set the dining table or create cozy reading nooks

• Make sure every room has a clear purpose

Pro tip: Stage for listing photos too! Most buyers shop online first, so your pictures have to pop.

🌿 6. Don’t Skip Curb Appeal

First impressions are everything. If your home doesn’t look inviting from the street, many buyers won’t even bother to step inside.

Simple curb appeal upgrades:

• Trim shrubs and mow the lawn

• Add fresh mulch and flowers

• Power wash the exterior and walkway

• Paint or clean the front door

• Upgrade your doormat and porch lights

🕰 7. Be Flexible With Showings

The more people who see your home, the faster it will sell. If you’re rigid about showing times, you could miss the right buyer.

Make showings easy:

• Keep the home “show-ready” each day

• Allow same-day or short-notice appointments

• Consider a lockbox or flexible open house hours

It’s a short-term inconvenience for a long-term payoff.

💡 8. Offer Buyer Incentives

In a buyer’s market, a small bonus can tip the scales in your favor. The right perk might be what pushes your home to the top of someone’s list.

Smart incentives to consider:

• Cover a portion of the buyer’s closing costs

• Offer a home warranty (we’ll even cover one for our sellers!)

• Include appliances or furniture

• Give a credit toward flooring or paint updates

Ask your agent what’s working in your local market right now.

🧘 9. Stay Open and Strategic

The truth is, selling in a buyer’s market requires flexibility and a little patience. But you’re not alone—and your success doesn’t come down to luck.

Stay grounded by:

• Being open to buyer feedback

• Making price adjustments if necessary

• Trusting your agent’s strategy

• Focusing on what you can control

📍 Final Thoughts from Your Local Real Estate Pro

Selling a home in a buyer’s market isn’t about flashy gimmicks or luck—it’s about preparation, pricing, and presentation.

If you’re thinking of selling in Templeton, Paso Robles, Atascadero, or anywhere in San Luis Obispo County, I’d love to help you create a customized game plan that gets results.

✨ Let’s chat about what your home could sell for—and what steps will make the biggest impact.

Feel free to reach out directly, or follow me on Instagram for more real estate tips, local market updates, and behind-the-scenes advice:

@diannavond
📞 Let’s sell smart—and sell well.