If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, now’s the time to start getting serious. Spring is traditionally Omaha’s hottest real estate season, and with inventory still relatively low across the metro, homes that are truly move-in ready are commanding premium prices and multiple offers.

But here’s the thing: the homes that win in the spring market aren’t necessarily the biggest or the newest. They’re the ones that feel ready. They’re the ones where a buyer can walk through and immediately picture themselves living there without having to envision a renovation timeline first.

So how do you get your home to that place? Let’s walk through it.

Start with What Buyers Will Actually See First

We all know curb appeal matters, but in February, your curb appeal project is different than it will be in May. Right now, while we’re still dealing with the tail end of winter, focus on what you can control.

Clean up winter debris. Walk your property and pick up any branches, trash, or remnants of Nebraska’s unpredictable winter weather. Check your gutters and downspouts—if they’re clogged or damaged, get them cleaned or repaired now before spring rains highlight the problem.

Power wash when temperatures allow. If we get a few days above 50 degrees, take advantage and power wash your siding, driveway, walkways, and front porch. Winter leaves behind a layer of grime that you don’t even notice until it’s gone. The difference is immediate and dramatic.

Prep your landscaping plan now. You can’t plant flowers in frozen ground, but you can plan what you’ll plant and where. Budget for fresh mulch, consider adding colorful planters near your entry, and if your front yard looks tired, think about whether it makes sense to invest in professional landscaping before listing. In competitive neighborhoods like Dundee, Aksarben, and West Omaha, landscaping can be the difference between a home that sits and one that sells in a weekend.

Address the Big Stuff Before Buyers Start Looking

Spring buyers are savvy. They’ve been watching the market all winter, and they know what they want. More importantly, they know what they don’t want—and that’s a home with deferred maintenance or obvious problems they’ll have to deal with.

Get your inspection done early. Consider hiring a home inspector yourself before you list. It’s called a pre-listing inspection, and it lets you identify and fix issues on your timeline instead of scrambling during a buyer’s inspection period. In today’s market, homes with clean inspection reports move faster and sell for more.

Fix what you’ve been ignoring. That loose railing, the door that sticks, the faucet with the slow drip—these aren’t charming quirks. They’re red flags to buyers that suggest you haven’t maintained the home. Walk through every room with a critical eye and make a punch list of everything that needs attention.

HVAC, roof, and foundation matter most. These are the big-ticket items buyers worry about. If your furnace is 15+ years old, consider whether a replacement or a home warranty makes sense. If your roof is showing its age, get an inspection and be ready with documentation about its condition. Foundation cracks? Address them now or be prepared to offer credits or price adjustments later.

Make Your Home Feel Like a Model Home (Without Spending a Fortune)

The homes that sell fastest in spring aren’t necessarily the most expensive or the most updated. They’re the ones that feel intentional, cared for, and ready to live in.

Deep clean everything. And we mean everything. Baseboards, light fixtures, inside cabinets, behind appliances. If you have pets, consider professional carpet cleaning or replacement if carpets are stained or smell. Buyers in Omaha are increasingly sensitive to pet odors, and it’s an issue that tanks showings fast.

Paint if you need to. Fresh paint is one of the highest-ROI updates you can make. Stick with neutral colors—warm whites, light grays, soft greiges. Bold colors might reflect your personality, but they make it harder for buyers to envision the space as theirs.

Declutter ruthlessly. Remove at least 30-40% of what’s currently visible in your home. Box up personal photos, clear countertops, thin out closets and cabinets. The goal is to make your home feel spacious and allow buyers to focus on the space, not your stuff.

Stage with intention. You don’t need to hire a professional stager (though it helps for higher-price homes), but you do need to think about how each room presents. Remove excess furniture that makes rooms feel small. Add a few fresh touches—new throw pillows, a bowl of lemons on the kitchen counter, fresh towels in bathrooms.

Timing Matters More Than You Think

The spring market in Omaha typically kicks into high gear in mid-March and peaks in April and May. If you want to catch that wave, you need to be ready to list by early to mid-March at the latest. That means you’ve got about three to four weeks to get everything done—not a lot of time, especially if you’re working on repairs and deep cleaning while still living in the house.

Start now. Make your list, prioritize what needs professional help versus what you can DIY, and get contractors scheduled. Good contractors book up fast as the weather improves, and you don’t want to be competing with everyone else trying to get projects done in April.

Consider your move timeline. Where will you go after you sell? If you need to find a new home, start looking now so you’re not stuck in a situation where you’ve sold but have nowhere to move. Talk through your timeline and contingency plans with your agent early.

What Your Competition Is Doing

Let’s be real: you’re not the only person thinking about selling this spring. More listings are coming as the weather improves. The homes that stand out are priced accurately, show beautifully in photos, and are genuinely ready to show on short notice. Spring buyers have options, and they’re willing to pay more for homes that don’t require them to negotiate repairs or deal with problems after closing.

Homes that will stand out:

  • Priced accurately based on current sold comps, not wishful thinking
  • Photographed professionally—buyers decide online before they ever schedule a showing
  • Genuinely clean, updated, and ready to show on short notice
  • Sellers who are flexible with showing times, including evenings and weekends

Don’t Forget the Details That Make a Difference

  • Lighting matters. Replace burned-out bulbs, upgrade to brighter bulbs in dim rooms, and add lamps in darker corners. You need good artificial lighting for evening showings.
  • Smells matter more than you think. Eliminate pet odors, cigarette smoke, and cooking smells. Don’t try to cover them with air fresheners—buyers can tell. Address the source.
  • Storage spaces sell homes. Buyers open every door. Make sure your closets, pantry, garage, and basement are organized and not overflowing. Half-empty closets look spacious; stuffed closets raise red flags.

Ready to make your move? Call The Heim-Berg Team at 402-677-9024. Let’s get your home ready for the best possible spring launch.