If you’ve thought about selling your home this spring, there’s one thing you need to know: in today’s market, you can’t afford to skip repairs. With more homes for sale now than we’ve seen in years, buyers have options—lots of them. That means your home needs to look its absolute best to stand out, make an impression, and get the attention (and offers) it deserves.

But here’s the good news: if you start prepping now, you can spread out your to-do list over the coming months. More time. Less stress. No racing the clock. And when spring rolls around, you’ll be perfectly positioned to hit the market with confidence.



Step One: Talk to Your Agent First

Before you lift a paintbrush or start Googling “DIY bathroom updates,” talk with The Sherri Patterson Team. Our group of real estate experts will know exactly what your specific home needs—and just as importantly, what it doesn’t.

Every home is different, and there’s no sense spending money on updates that won’t help your value or attract the right buyer. An experienced agent can walk you through the repairs that matter most in your price point and neighborhood so your time and budget go where they’ll actually count.

Step Two: Worthwhile Repair Projects Before Selling

Before you get overwhelmed by the idea of prepping your home to sell, remember that not every upgrade needs to be major to make a major impact. The goal is to tackle the projects that truly move the needle—repairs and refreshes that help your home feel well-maintained, inviting, and ready for its next owner. 

Here are some of the top fixes and updates that consistently give sellers an edge in a competitive spring market.

1. Give Your Curb Appeal a Boost

Buyers make up their minds within seconds of pulling up. Simple upgrades—fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs, a power-washed walkway, or a newly painted front door—make your home feel welcoming right away. These changes are inexpensive but instantly elevate your home’s first impression.

2. Fix the “Little” Things You’ve Been Ignoring

Loose doorknobs, squeaky hinges, leaky faucets, cracked outlet covers, chipped paint—buyers notice them all. These tiny flaws can make your home feel older or poorly maintained. Tackling small repairs now signals to buyers that your home has been well cared for and is truly move-in ready.

3. Update Lighting for a Brighter Feel

Lighting can completely transform a space. Swap out outdated fixtures, increase overall wattage where needed, and replace old bulbs with warm, energy-efficient LEDs. Bright rooms photograph better, feel larger, and give off a more modern, inviting feeling—especially important during spring showings when natural light is your best friend.

4. Refresh Your Paint

A fresh coat of paint is one of the highest returns on investment when prepping a home for sale. Choose neutral tones—warm whites, soft grays, or light beiges—to help buyers picture themselves living there. It instantly makes rooms feel cleaner, newer, and move-in ready, which is exactly what buyers want.

5. Deep Clean Like You’ve Never Cleaned Before

And then clean again. We’re talking baseboards, windows, ceiling fans, grout lines—everything. A spotless home makes buyers feel comfortable and shows that the property has been well maintained. If possible, invest in a professional deep clean. It’s worth every penny.

6. Declutter and Depersonalize

Removing excess furniture, personal collections, and countertop items helps create more breathing room in your home. Buyers want to imagine their life in the space—not yours. Clean, minimal rooms help them focus on the home’s features instead of visual distractions. And bonus: this also makes moving later MUCH easier.

7. Consider Simple Kitchen or Bathroom Refreshes

You don’t need a full remodel to make these spaces shine. Think new cabinet hardware, freshly caulked tubs, modern faucets, or updated mirrors. Small changes help these high-impact rooms feel updated without a major investment.



Step Three: Adjust Your Mindset

It’s also important to set realistic expectations. Today’s market is starting to feel more like 2019 than the wild days of 2021. We’re seeing more listings on the market than at any point in the last five years. That means fewer bidding wars and fewer sky-high offers within hours of listing.

But don’t let that discourage you. Spring is still one of the strongest seasons for homebuyers, and Sacramento continues to draw steady demand. By preparing early, pricing strategically, and presenting your home at its best, you’ll attract the right buyer.



It’s not about finding every buyer—it’s about connecting with the buyer who sees the value in your home and is ready to make it theirs.

Preparing your home for a spring sale doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right timeline and an experienced agent guiding you from day one, you can step into the market with confidence. Start early, make intentional improvements, and trust the process—your future buyer is out there, and they’re going to fall in love with the version of your home you’ve thoughtfully prepared.

When you’re ready to begin, The Sherri Patterson Team is here to walk you through every step—strategically, confidently, and stress-free. Just say the word, and let’s get your spring sale underway.