One month

Photo shoot time! Your home sells with pictures. “Real estate photos are the new Sunday open house, because almost everyone sees your home for the first time in a real estate ad,” says Stanton. Your realtor can hire a professional for this, but here are a few tips: Clean all counters. Move trash cans out of sight. Low-hanging art elevates the ceilings. Fresh flowers always add class.

three weeks

Book a mover and start packing. Get estimates from moving companies, and check their reviews, references, and insurance. “You’d be surprised how many movers mislead themselves. Companies are out there without permission or protection,” warns Greg Gunderson, president of Gentle Transitions. Gather boxes, tape, packing materials and labels to start packing, move things to a storage rental or pod. First focus on heavy-volume clear exits (attic, garage and basement), then go to bedrooms and closets. “Take out 75 percent,” advises hardworking expert Matt Paxton, author of this article Keep the memory, lose the item, Published by AARP. “A potential buyer wants your home to look like it fits their stuff inside, so storage areas and cabinets should be empty.” Also, looking at what’s inside the kitchen cabinets can make those spaces feel more spacious, he says. “Just put out enough plates and cups for four to six people. The more space, the better.”

Do special cleaning. For example, have windows and exhaust fans professionally cleaned. Use a power washer or hire someone to do it to remove mold from driveways, patios, outdoor steps, and siding.

Experience the crazy days ahead. Open houses mean you and your pets have to clean up. And moving day is even busier. Recruit family and friends to help you deal with the madness ahead. “Whenever someone wants to look at your home, you need to know where to take your pets and who’s going to take care of the dog or cat on moving day,” says Gunderson.

A week

Final cleaning. It’s time for a final professional indoor cleaning, including waxing and mopping the floors. Be sure to give the fridge and oven a deep clean last time. Cookies are displayed. Focus on making the kitchen a place where people enjoy eating and gathering.

Store the items. Bring valuables, extra cash, and most important documents to a trusted friend or family member to keep under lock and key.

Reinforce the price. “The last week is when you get the most marketing intel,” Stanton said. “Your agent may know current buyers in the area who are willing to make an offer, and there may be unmet demand.”

The night before

Do a final sweep. Clean out the cupboards, fridge and garage; Check for uneven wires, nicks or scratches. Clean your house like it’s on a magazine spread.

Be prepared to walk away. Ask your realtor when you need to leave and when you can return, and plan a good itinerary for the time. If necessary, bring a go bag with medications, food, and supplies like your laptop, charger cords, and checkbook.

Take a deep breath and take one last look around. Have a good rest. The bidding war is about to begin!

David Hockman, Contributing Editor AARP MagazineHe is a journalist and writer in Los Angeles. Its December 2020 AARP Bulletin The story about nursing homes “18 Weeks” won several national awards.

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