If you’re planning to sell your home in Acadiana, you’re probably Googling right now how to prep it right and even boost its value. I get it, this is probably one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and you want to get it right.
But when you start searching online, you’re hit with all kinds of advice: repaint your home, replace old appliances, update your kitchen and bathroom…the list goes on. It can get pretty overwhelming trying to figure out where to even start.
So you start thinking of setting aside some money for the big-ticket stuff. Maybe you’re already calculating how much that kitchen renovation might cost or wondering if you really need to replace those appliances that still work just fine.
But what if I told you that before you spend a dime on repainting or replacing perfectly working appliances, there’s a better way to prep your Acadiana home?
After years of helping homeowners in Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, and the Acadiana area sell their homes, I’ve learned there’s a better approach that can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.
Declutter and Deep Clean
Nobody wants to buy a house that’s cluttered and messy, so make sure to take care of this before listing your home. You’d be surprised how many sellers skip this step or don’t go deep enough with it.
Especially if you’ve been living in the house for a while or have pets or kids, it’s easy for things to pile up without you even noticing. We become blind to our own clutter after a while. We all get a little blind to our own clutter.
You might want to sell off some furniture too, maybe through a garage sale. That actually helps in a few ways. First, you’ll make some extra cash to put toward moving expenses. Second, it opens up more space in your home, which makes every room feel bigger and more appealing to buyers.
Consider hiring a professional cleaner. It’s an investment that can help your home sell faster and for a better price.
Deep cleaning is extra important here in South Louisiana. Our humidity can lead to mildew or musty smells that you might be used to, but buyers will notice them instantly. Pay special attention to bathrooms, the laundry room, and anywhere moisture tends to collect.
Talk to a Local Real Estate Agent
I mentioned earlier that you’re probably seeing all kinds of advice online about how to prep your home. Sure, some of it might be helpful, but what actually adds value to a home is relative. Most of the advice you see online is super generic.
These people haven’t seen your home, don’t know your neighborhood, and likely aren’t familiar with the Acadiana market. They’re giving blanket recommendations that might work in some places, but not necessarily here.
The next step you should take is to talk to a local real estate agent. We know the real market, the trends in your specific neighborhood, and what buyers in our area are really looking for. A good local agent can give you advice that’s tailored to your home.
Now, I’m not saying repainting or replacing appliances is always a bad move. On paper, they sound like improvements that should add value, right? But that’s not always the case.
Over the years working in real estate here in Acadiana, I’ve seen so many sellers jump into big-ticket upgrades before ever talking to a realtor, thinking they’re boosting value. But too often, those updates don’t actually help sell the house.
So before you commit to any big projects, talk to a local realtor. We’ll help you figure out which updates are worth the money and which ones you can skip entirely.
The Bottom Line
Prepping your home for sale doesn’t have to be some overwhelming, expensive process that keeps you up at night. Start with the basics: declutter and deep clean. These are low-cost, high-impact steps that every home benefits from, no matter the price point or neighborhood.
Then, before you start writing checks for big upgrades, talk to someone who actually knows what buyers in Acadiana are actually looking for. A good local agent can help you figure out which improvements will actually pay off and which ones just aren’t worth it.
If you’re selling your home, reach out to me, one of the top realtors in Lafayette, Broussard, and Youngsville, for a free home valuation and consultation on how to prep your Acadiana home right. Let’s make sure you’re investing your time and money in the right places.
