08/21/2026
The fastest way to lose a buyer is to make them feel like they’re standing in someone else’s home.
Before we ever list a property, I walk sellers through the same process.
Not a remodel.
Not thousands of dollars in upgrades. Just what to remove so the home photographs better, feels more spacious, and gives buyers room to picture their own life there.
Here’s what comes out first:
1. ���Family photos. Buyers have a harder time imagining themselves there when your family is staring back at them from every wall.
2. ���About half your closet. A packed closet instantly feels like there isn’t enough storage. Remove 40-50% and store it somewhere else.
3. ���Countertop clutter. Kitchen and bathroom counters should be almost completely clear. Less clutter makes the space feel bigger and cleaner.
4. ���Extra furniture. That oversized sectional or extra chair can make a good-sized room feel cramped. When in doubt, take a piece out.
5. Everything on the fridge. Magnets, photos, school papers, calendars... they tend to look messy in listing photos.
6. ���Bold or highly personal décor. Political, religious, or very specific design choices can distract buyers from the home itself.
7. ���Pet evidence. Bowls, beds, litter boxes, crates and toys should disappear before photos and showings. Not every buyer is a pet person, and odors can absolutely affect how someone feels about a home.
8. ���Bathroom personal items. Toothbrushes, razors, medications and half-used bottles should all be put away.
9. ���Oversized rugs. They can visually shrink a room and cover the flooring buyers actually want to see.
10. ����Valuables and medications. Remember, strangers will be walking through your home during showings. Lock these away every time
Clearing this out is step one, and it’s free! It can be the difference between an offer in week one and a price drop in week four.
But removing things is only half the game.
The other half is knowing which small fixes actually add dollars, and which upgrades are money pits you should skip.
Share this post with someone looking to sell their home. Mayra Dubon C21 Advanced Realty
