Planning to list your Preston Hollow home in the next two months? You might be wondering which updates matter, when to bring in vendors, and how to time photos for maximum impact. With a clear 60-day plan, you can hit the spring market with a polished presentation that attracts more buyers and reduces stress. In this guide, you’ll get a week-by-week roadmap built for Preston Hollow, plus smart update ideas, staging and photography standards, and permit tips to keep you on track. Let’s dive in.
Why 60 days works in Preston Hollow
Preston Hollow buyers expect homes to feel move-in ready with strong curb appeal and thoughtful finishes. Many properties feature mature trees, large lots, pools, gated drives, and multi-car garages that deserve careful staging and photography. Your plan should highlight these lifestyle features while keeping scope manageable.
Spring is a high-traffic season in Dallas, and the mild winter means lawns green up early. If you time your prep now, you can stage and photograph when landscaping looks its best. Staged homes with professional photography typically earn more attention and can sell faster, according to widely cited industry resources.
Focusing on light cosmetic work helps you avoid permit delays and keeps momentum toward a Q1–Q2 launch. You’ll prioritize the spaces buyers care about most, then finish with a clean, staged presentation and a full photo package that showcases your home’s strengths.
Your 8-week plan
Week 1: Walkthrough and bids
Start with a pre-listing walkthrough with your agent to identify priority rooms and visible defects. Consider a pre-listing inspection to surface repair items early so you can control the timeline. Request bids and availability from a painter, handyman or contractor, electrician or plumber if needed, landscaper, cleaner, stager, and a professional photographer. If exterior changes are planned, confirm any HOA or deed restrictions and note City of Dallas permit requirements for non-cosmetic work.
Week 2: Finalize scope and scheduling
Select vendors, sign contracts, and lock dates into a shared timeline. Decide on an occupied or vacant staging plan and schedule any furniture rental or rearrangement. Book large-item donation or pickup to kick off decluttering. Tackle easy fixes like sticky doors, loose hardware, and broken switch plates so contractors can move faster later.
Week 3: Paint and curb appeal
Begin interior paint touch-ups or neutral repaints in high-impact areas like the entry, living room, kitchen, and primary suite. Fresh paint should wrap at least 10 to 14 days before photography so you can deep clean and let odors dissipate. Refresh landscaping with pruning, mulch, and seasonal containers, and address any irrigation issues. Handle minor interior repairs and trim or drywall touch-ups to create a crisp, finished look.
Week 4: Kitchen, baths, and systems
Complete a kitchen refresh with new cabinet hardware, a clean or replaced faucet, re-caulked counters, and spotless appliances. In bathrooms, re-grout and re-caulk, polish fixtures, and consider updated mirrors or lighting if they are dated. Service HVAC and replace filters so the home is comfortable for previews. If you have a pool or spa, schedule service and ensure water clarity and deck cleanliness.
Week 5: Deep clean and staging prep
Book a professional deep clean that includes windows, baseboards, grout, and carpet or rug cleaning. Finalize staging strategy and install dates so all furniture arrives after major work is complete. Ask your painter or contractor to walk the property for final touch-ups and remove any materials. Improve natural light by trimming shrubs that block windows and plan furniture placement for easy flow.
Week 6: Staging install and photo schedule
Install staging 3 to 7 days before photos so you have time for small edits. Walk through with your agent and stager to prioritize photo angles and confirm a shot list. Schedule a professional photographer for a full-day shoot that includes interior and exterior daylight images plus twilight exteriors. If your lot size, pool, or tree canopy is a key feature, add aerials or a 3D tour to increase engagement.
Week 7: Photo day and listing materials
Capture 20 to 30 high-quality images for a Preston Hollow home, more for large properties with multiple feature areas. Request wide-angle compositions, HDR exposure, and perfectly level lines for interiors, plus twilight exteriors to show landscaping and lighting. Build listing materials now, including a floorplan, measurements, feature list, and neighborhood highlights. Review local MLS rules for photo counts, file sizes, and disclosures to avoid any surprises.
Week 8: Final polish and launch
Complete a light cleaning right before showings begin so the home feels fresh. Review photos and order any missing images or virtual staging if needed. Aim to go live early in the week to maximize exposure and schedule broker previews and open houses as appropriate. Keep staging in place through the first weekend of showings to match what buyers saw online.
Timing notes and contingencies
If your inspection uncovers larger issues, revisit the plan immediately so you can re-prioritize or adjust timing. Allow buffer days for contractor delays and weather. If a project risks pushing you past 60 days, scale back to preserve your launch window.
Smart updates that pay off
Focus on upgrades that buyers notice first. These typically deliver strong perceived value without adding weeks of work.
- Highest priority: neutral interior paint, a light kitchen refresh, a clean and updated primary bath, and top-tier curb appeal. Pressure wash the drive and walks, repaint the front door if needed, and ensure exterior lighting works.
- Medium priority: lighting upgrades with energy-efficient fixtures, under-cabinet lighting if easy, hardwood refinishing where needed, deep-cleaned or replaced carpet in poor condition, and basic closet organization in key spaces.
- Lower priority: full kitchen remodels or structural changes within a 60-day window. Save these for longer timelines unless an inspection requires repairs.
Vendors, staging, and photos
Recommended vendor order
- Agent or advisor for planning and priorities
- Optional pre-listing inspector
- Contractor or handyman, plus electrician or plumber for repairs
- Painter for interiors, then exterior if needed and weather allows
- Landscaper or tree service
- Flooring refinisher or carpet cleaner or installer
- Stager for furniture after all major work
- Photographer, drone operator, and 3D tour vendor
- Cleaner for the final pass right before photos
- HVAC service or locksmith if needed
Staging priorities for Preston Hollow
Center staging on the entry, living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and primary bath. Create an easy flow with clear pathways and logical seating groups. Neutralize decor by removing overly personal items and bold art that can distract in photos. For outdoor living, set a simple dining or lounge area and present pool and spa zones as clean and ready for use.
Photo standards that attract buyers
Request a complete package: wide-angle interior shots with HDR, crisp twilight exteriors, and aerials for larger lots or notable landscaping. Include a floorplan and 3D tour to increase time-on-page and buyer confidence. Ask your photographer to deliver high-resolution, well-leveled images with straight verticals. Organize the gallery in a buyer-friendly flow that begins at the front exterior, then moves through main living, kitchen, primary suite, secondary spaces, outdoor areas, and any bonus rooms.
MLS and privacy checklist
Confirm local MLS rules for photo limits and technical specs before upload. Remove or secure sensitive items and consider privacy for family photos and valuables. Avoid showing security codes or high-value equipment in images. Your goal is to give buyers a complete story while protecting your household.
Permits, HOA, and compliance
In Dallas, cosmetic work like paint, minor repairs, and standard landscaping typically does not require permits. Mechanical, structural, electrical, or plumbing modifications generally do. If you plan any non-cosmetic changes, build City of Dallas permit timelines and inspections into your schedule.
Many Preston Hollow properties also have HOA or deed restrictions that govern exterior paint, fencing, and visible changes. If approvals are needed, submit early in the 60-day window so decisions do not delay your listing date. Your agent can help you sequence work and coordinate documentation.
Quick checklists
Pre-list planning
- Agent walkthrough to set priorities
- Optional pre-list inspection
- Vendor quotes and scheduling
- HOA or deed restriction checks
- Photo, staging, and timeline map
Photo-day prep
- Final clean and window wash
- Replace light bulbs and open shades
- Hide cords, remotes, and small appliances
- Secure or remove personal items and medications
- Stage outdoor areas and check landscaping
Final thoughts
A clear 60-day plan helps you stay focused on the updates that matter and hit the Preston Hollow market at the right moment. By sequencing vendors, staging with purpose, and investing in professional photography, you showcase your home at its best and reduce stress along the way. If you want a renovation-savvy partner to tailor this plan to your property, connect with Jeremy Whiteker to map your next steps.
FAQs
When should you stage a Preston Hollow home for sale?
- Stage before photography and keep it in place through launch so buyers see the same presentation online and in person.
How many listing photos does a high-end Dallas home need?
- Aim for 20 to 30 high-quality images at minimum, plus a floorplan and 3D tour for larger properties.
Do you need a pre-listing inspection in Dallas?
- It is optional but helpful to find repairs early so you can fix them on your schedule rather than reacting during buyer negotiations.
Are drone photos worth it in Preston Hollow?
- Yes for large lots, pools, mature trees, or proximity to parks and amenities, provided local rules allow safe operation.
How much should you spend on 60-day listing prep?
- Prioritize visible, cosmetic improvements like paint, lighting, landscaping, and light kitchen or bath refreshes, and avoid major remodels unless required by inspection.
