How Preparation, Superstition, and Good Vibes Set the Stage for a Successful Home Sale
Before every big soccer game growing up, I had a routine. The same playlist; a mental replay of my biggest saves, starting the game touching the goal post… visualizing the field, the win, the celebration.
Not much has changed when it comes to preparing for the win. Only now, the goal post is a successful home sale, and the field is someone’s living room and the win is protecting their investment and purchase.
There’s something universal about how we prepare for big moments. Whether it’s a wedding, job interview, performance, or launching a home on the market people have their go-to rituals. For me, getting a listing ready is its own version of game day. It’s strategic. Emotional. Intentional. And yes, just a little bit superstitious.
So what does it take to get a home truly ready for market?
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at my real estate prep routine, complete with process, purpose, and a few good luck charms:
🎯 Step 1: Dial in the Details
Like pre-game stretches, this stage is all about setting the tone. Before we ever take a photo or open the doors, we:
Deep clean every corner, from windows to baseboards
Declutter and organize to create breathing room
Coordinate vendors for small repairs and final touches
Buyers notice when a home feels cared for. These early steps are critical to that first impression. If you must stay in your home while selling we can come up with a strategy. A staged home in my opinion always shows the potential for a home in the best way.
🛋️ Step 2: Stage with Purpose
Staging isn’t about perfection, it’s about possibility. It helps buyers see themselves in the space, feel at ease, and imagine making it their own.
Whether we use your existing pieces or bring in a pro, we create moments that make people pause and feel something. It’s storytelling with furniture and light. Remembering that you as the seller are the only people who is not going to buy the house. This is the part we get the home ready for the largest audience.
📸 Step 3: Capture the Energy
Photography is more than documentation, it’s a home’s first handshake. We focus on light, flow, and emotion. From video walkthroughs to social media reels, the goal is to inspire action, driving as much traffic from the online world to come see your home in person.
🔮 Step 4: Add a Little Luck
Now, this part isn’t in the listing contract, but it’s real to me. Before launching a new listing, I bury a St. Joseph statue upside down, facing the home. It’s a long-standing real estate tradition, and one I’ve come to love. And where do I get my St. Joseph statues? Archie McPhee, of course, the beloved Seattle shop known for its quirky charms and unexpected magic. It’s not just about superstition, it’s about intention. Good vibes matter. Supporting local is also a bonus.
🎶 Step 5: Set the Soundtrack
Sometimes I still play the same songs I used to warm up to before soccer games. The music gets me in the zone. It’s my reminder that big things happen when preparation meets energy and that the emotional part of selling a home deserves space too. But stop by one of my open houses to see the DJ set I have created.
📝 Step 6: Offer Reviews with Care
Once offers start coming in, the real teamwork begins. I walk clients through every detail: price, terms, financing strength, contingencies, and timelines. This isn’t just about numbers, it’s about strategy, trust, and protecting your best interest.
🔐 Step 7: Smooth Sailing to Closing
From inspection to appraisal to final paperwork, I stay by your side. I coordinate timelines, communicate with all parties, and make sure you feel supported all the way to the finish line and beyond.
In Summary
Selling a home is personal. It’s also a process. It takes more than a sign in the yard, it takes thoughtful preparation, skilled marketing, strategic guidance, and a touch of that “game day” magic.
Whether it’s lucky charms, custom playlists, or just the right team in your corner, the best outcomes happen when we bring intention and care to every step.
If you're thinking about selling or just want to talk real estate, I’d love to connect. Let’s build your custom game plan, good vibes included.
Rachel Jarvis
503-998-6406