Could your home sell for top dollar today, or do you think it needs a little work first?

Hi, I’m Brendan Moran with Five Star Real Estate. We’ve sold hundreds of homes, and one thing we’ve learned is this: buyers are judging your home from the moment they pull up to the curb. So let's find out—will your home pass the test?

Wait… Is There Really a “Test” for Selling a Home?

Yes—and it starts with first impressions.

Think about it. When a buyer walks up to your home, what do they see?

• Peeling paint on the trim?

• Landscaping that needs a refresh?

• Cobwebs over the porch light?

• A tired front door?

These little details create the buyer’s emotional response before they even walk through the front door. And if you're trying to get top dollar, every detail counts.

The 3 Ds: Depersonalize, De-Clutter, Deep Clean

1. Depersonalize
Buyers want to picture themselves in your home—not you. So yes, as lovely as your family photos are, it's time to take them down. Remove anything that makes it your home, so buyers can imagine making it theirs.

2. De-Clutter
Clear the countertops, clear the bookshelves, clear the knickknacks. The less stuff in the home, the bigger and cleaner it looks—and the better it photographs.

3. Deep Clean
We're not talking about a quick vacuum and mop. We mean scrubbing grout, baseboards, light switches, and yes—even years of fingerprints from your kids. A deep clean can add real value and makes a huge difference in how your home is perceived.

What About Floors, Counters, and Smells?

• Floors & Counters: If your flooring is worn or your countertops are outdated, buyers will notice—and they’ll subtract that from your asking price. Sometimes investing in upgrades you’ll never use makes you more money in the sale.

• Smell Test: Do you have pets? You might be nose-blind to their scent, but buyers aren’t. Clean carpets, wash fabrics, and yes—consider removing pets during showings if possible.

Staging: Yes, It’s Worth It

Staging doesn’t mean bringing in all-new furniture. It might just mean removing some of your existing pieces, rearranging what’s left, and adding a few neutral touches. A well-staged home feels larger, more updated, and more inviting—and that translates to more offers.

Be Honest with Yourself

Here’s the challenge:
Rate your home from 1 to 10—not through your eyes, but through a buyer’s.

• Would you be excited to pay top dollar to move in?

• Or are there obvious turn-offs you’ve stopped noticing?

You only get one chance to make a first impression. And buyers aren’t paying for your memories—they’re paying for the experience of living there.

Get Help from a Pro

A good real estate agent won’t just flatter you—they’ll give you the honest advice you need to make your home market-ready.

If you're ready to get started, or you want an honest walkthrough to see if your home passes the test, message me anytime.

I’m Brendan Moran with Five Star Real Estate, and I’m here to help you get the most for your home.