Preparation & Presentation: Common Questions

You only get one chance to make a first impression. In the age of 4K drone video and AI search, your home needs to be more than just "clean." Below, we answer your top questions about repairs, styling, and the "As-Is" contract.

What should I fix or update before listing?

Stop! Do not swing a hammer yet. Not all renovations offer a positive Return on Investment (ROI). What you should fix depends entirely on your micro-market. For example, updating a historic home in Armory Park with modern finishes might actually lower its value. Generally, we prioritize cosmetic updates (paint, landscaping, deep cleaning) over massive remodels. Contact us for a specific "Prep Audit" of your home.

Should I sell the home "As-Is"?

In Arizona, the standard residential resale contract dictates that all homes are sold "As-Is." This means you are not technically required to make repairs. However, "As-Is" does not mean "ignore reality." Depending on your price point and competition, failing to address obvious issues can force you to accept a lower price. We help you distinguish between necessary repairs and money-wasting upgrades.

Is home staging really worth it?

We believe in "Styling" over traditional staging. While we don't always require you to rent a house full of furniture, presentation is critical. We work with you to declutter, rearrange, and style your existing furniture to ensure the flow looks perfect for our camera lenses. If your home is vacant, we can discuss virtual or physical staging options to help buyers visualize the space.

Should I remove personal items and photos?

Contrary to popular belief, no—not entirely.

Most agents will tell you to sterilely "depersonalize" your home. After spending over 10,000 hours observing buyers and watching how they make decisions, we have found that buyers subconsciously look for "proof of life." They want to feel that the home has history and quality.

If buyers perceive that your home was a happy, quality home for you and your family, they believe it will be a great home for them. This emotional connection often drives the price up—much like how a famous person's home sells for a premium due to its history. We will help you optimize this balance, ensuring the home feels welcoming and lived-in without being cluttered.

Should I repaint before selling?

Paint is often the highest ROI investment you can make. A fresh coat of neutral paint can make a home smell new, look larger, and feel brighter. If your walls are currently personalized colors (bright reds, yellows, etc.), we almost always recommend neutralizing them to appeal to the widest pool of buyers.

Do I need to replace carpet or flooring?

This is a "maybe." If the carpet is stained or worn, it can be a major turn-off. However, sometimes it is better to offer a flooring credit to the buyer so they can choose their own style. We will evaluate the condition of your floors during our initial walkthrough and advise on the best financial strategy.

How clean does the house need to be for showings?

Immaculate. Because we use high-definition photography, 3D Matterport tours, and drone video as part of the Oliver Selling Solution, the camera sees everything. We recommend a professional "deep clean" before photos are taken. During the showing period, the home should remain "hotel ready"—beds made, counters clear, and floors swept.

Should I make improvements or offer credits instead?

This is a strategic negotiation decision. In a hot seller's market, you might get away with offering credits. In a balanced or buyer's market, doing the work beforehand is usually better because it removes the "hassle factor" for the buyer. We will guide you based on the current market velocity in your specific neighborhood.

Schedule Your Home Prep Audit