Start with an honest walkthrough.
Make three lists: known condition issues, everyday maintenance, and presentation tasks. Walk the exterior as well as the rooms. Record questions instead of guessing about repairs or the value of an improvement.
Clear the view.
Make rooms easier to understand by reducing excess items and opening access to important features. Put personal documents, valuables and medications out of view before photography or showings.
Choose work around your actual timeline.
Discuss potential repairs before scheduling expensive projects. Consider lead times, disruption and which tasks you can complete well. No improvement guarantees a specific increase in sale price.
Prepare for photography and appointments.
Agree on which spaces will be photographed, confirm usage permissions and arrange a plan for pets and access. Keep utility and repair documentation available for questions that arise later.
General educational information. Consult the appropriate qualified professional for legal, tax, lending, inspection or appraisal advice.