5 Overlooked Tips for Prepping Your Home for Sale in Rockbridge County This Summer

If you're thinking about selling your home in Rockbridge County, Lexington, or Buena Vista this summer, you're probably already tackling the basics—cleaning, decluttering, and freshening up those flower beds. But if you want your home to truly stand out to potential buyers, there are a few extra things you might not have thought about.

Here are five lesser-known (but super important!) tips to get your home market-ready.

1. Don’t Let Your Lighting Be a Letdown

Mismatched lightbulbs might seem like a small detail, but they stand out in all the wrong ways—especially in listing photos. It's kind of like showing up to a black-tie event wearing sneakers. Swap out old bulbs for matching LED lights. It’ll make your home look brighter, more cohesive, and more inviting. Your photographer—and your buyers—will thank you.

2. Say Goodbye to Lingering Odors

Let’s be honest: smells can make or break a showing. Whether it's last night’s salmon dinner or an overly fragrant candle, strong odors (good or bad) can be a big turn-off. Aim for a clean, neutral scent instead. A quick “odor detox” before showings can go a long way in making a great first impression.

3. Give Your Front Door Some Love

Your front door is like a handshake—it sets the tone for everything that comes next. If the paint is peeling or the hardware is rusty, it might signal to buyers that other areas of the home are neglected too. A fresh coat of paint and a little hardware refresh can make your home feel warm and welcoming from the moment buyers arrive.

4. Closets (Yes, They’re Looking!)

Buyers are curious, and yes—they’re going to open your closets. A neat, organized space gives them a sense of how they might live in your home. Even small closets can look spacious with a little decluttering. It’s less about showing off your stuff and more about helping buyers picture their own.

5. Get Expert Eyes on Your Home Early

Here’s your bonus tip: bring in a real estate professional before you finish all your prep. Every home—and every market—is a little different. A good agent can point out exactly what buyers in Rockbridge County are looking for and help you focus your energy (and budget) in the right places.

Are you prepping your home for sale? Let’s chat!

If you’re prepping your home for sale this summer in Lexington, Buena Vista, or anywhere in Rockbridge County, don’t go it alone. I’d love to walk through your home with you and give personalized advice to make your listing shine.

📩 Click here to get your free Home Seller Strategy Session—and let’s get your home ready to wow buyers!