West Michigan Real Estate Blog | Luke Bouman Team

By Luke Bouman | Luke Bouman Real Estate Team | June 2026

Holland Michigan homes that are well-prepared before listing sell faster and for more money than homes that are not. Here are the 27 items the Luke Bouman Real Estate Team walks every Holland seller through before the sign goes up.

Exterior (First Impressions)

1. Power wash driveway, walkways, and siding
2. Clean gutters and downspouts
3. Touch up or repaint front door
4. Replace worn or dated house numbers
5. Trim shrubs, edge lawn, remove dead plants
6. Add fresh mulch to beds
7. Clean all exterior light fixtures
8. Repair any cracked driveway or walkway sections

Interior -- Declutter and Depersonalize

9. Remove at least 30% of items from every room
10. Clear kitchen countertops completely
11. Remove personal photographs
12. Clear closets to 50% capacity (buyers open every door)
13. Remove excess furniture to open up traffic flow
14. Deep clean every room including windows

Repairs That Matter

15. Fix all dripping faucets
16. Replace burned-out light bulbs (all of them)
17. Repair any visible water damage or staining
18. Fix squeaky doors and sticky locks
19. Touch up paint scuffs and wall damage
20. Repair or replace broken window screens
21. Ensure all appliances are in working order

Systems and Documentation

22. Replace HVAC filter and have furnace serviced if overdue
23. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
24. Locate all appliance manuals, warranties, and permits
25. Gather documentation for any major work done (roof, HVAC, addition)

Final Preparation

26. Professional photography scheduled (do not list without it)
27. Pre-listing inspection considered -- knowing issues in advance lets you price accordingly and avoid surprises

One More Thing

The items above cost little to nothing but meaningfully affect how buyers perceive your home at first showing and during inspection. Our Guaranteed Sale program backs every Holland listing: sell in 39 days or less -- or we sell it for free. No Realtor has sold more homes in Holland MI over the last 10 years. Call (616) 344-9923 for a free pre-listing consultation.

Related: Home Selling Guide Holland 2026 | Sell My Home in Holland Michigan | What Is My Home Worth?