How to Prep Your Vacation Home for Sale
Whether your property is a seasonal retreat or a year-round escape, preparing it properly before you list can make a big difference in how quickly it sells and how much it brings in.
As experienced local Realtors, The Reeves Group knows exactly what buyers are looking for in a Maine vacation property. Here are our top tips to help you prep your vacation home for sale with confidence.
1. Deep Clean Like a Rental
Buyers expect vacation homes to be clean, fresh, and move-in ready. Go beyond basic tidying:
Steam clean carpets and rugs
Wash all windows and sliding doors
Power wash decks, siding, and walkways
Deep clean bathrooms and kitchens
If you’ve been renting it seasonally, consider hiring a professional cleaner to give it that sparkling “turnover” look.
2. Handle Deferred Maintenance
Small repairs can make or break a first impression. Fixing them before listing shows your home has been well cared for:
Patch holes or scuffs in walls
Repair loose boards on decks and docks
Ensure all plumbing and electrical fixtures work
Replace any fogged or cracked window panes
These improvements reassure buyers they won’t be inheriting a to-do list.
3. Depersonalize and Declutter
Buyers want to imagine their own summer memories in the space—not feel like guests in yours. Remove:
Personal photos and memorabilia
Excess furniture that crowds rooms
Seasonal decorations (unless very neutral)
Leave just enough decor to highlight the home’s charm and functionality.
4. Highlight Outdoor Spaces
Maine vacation homes sell largely based on their outdoor appeal. Make sure these areas shine:
Set up seating on decks, porches, or patios
Mow, weed, and edge the lawn
Clean and stage the fire pit or outdoor dining area
If waterfront, clear the path to the water and tidy up docks or boathouses
Showcase how the home connects to nature—buyers will picture themselves enjoying it right away.
5. Invest in Professional Photography
Vacation homes often sell based on photos alone, especially to out-of-state buyers. Great listing photos should highlight:
Curb appeal and exterior charm
Views (ocean, lake, or mountain)
Bright, airy interiors with natural light
Lifestyle elements: hammock, kayaks, sunset seating
The right Realtor will coordinate a photographer who knows how to sell the Maine lifestyle.
6. Prepare Seasonal & Utility Details
Buyers often have questions about how the home functions seasonally. Gather this info before listing:
Utility costs by season
Whether the home is winterized
Septic and well info (if applicable)
Rental history or potential income
Transparency builds trust—and can help position your home as a smart investment.
Ready to Sell? Let a Local Realtor Help
Selling a vacation home isn’t just about putting up a sign—it’s about telling a story buyers want to step into. The Reeves Group understands the emotional and financial value tied to your home. From pricing strategy to staging and marketing, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to list your Maine vacation home with confidence—and get the return you deserve.
Upcoming Events:
Concerts at Thompson’s Point – Portland (July 24–27)
This scenic riverside venue features major touring acts throughout the summer. Grab a blanket, enjoy local food trucks, and take in the music by the water.
Moxie Festival – Lisbon Falls (July 25–27)
Celebrate Maine’s most famous (and quirky) soda with a weekend of live music, a 5K, parades, food trucks, and the hilarious Moxie Chugging Challenge.
Sidewalk Art Festival – Belfast (July 26)
Explore original works by artists from across the state along the charming streets of downtown Belfast. Great for collectors and casual browsers alike.
Kennebunk Beach Cleanup + Picnic – Kennebunk (July 28)
Join locals in giving back to the coast with a community cleanup followed by a potluck-style beach picnic—fun for families and a great way to meet neighbors.
