I would match the prep work to a market that can move quickly once buyers see value.
If you are selling a home you have lived in for years, the hard part is usually not the listing date. It is deciding how much work to do before the market sees it, and in Troy, MI I would answer that by remembering that a typical closed sale took only 15 days recently.
Recent closings in Troy, MI happened on a typical 15-day timeline, while active homes took a typical 45 days. New listings totaled 92 over the previous 30 days, and active listings stood at 108 by period end.
That difference in pace is exactly why I would not leave preparation half-finished. A seller trying to reduce upkeep and move on from a larger property does not need avoidable friction once showings begin. The homes that move fastest are clearly separating themselves from the larger active pool, and in Troy, MI that tells me the market is rewarding readiness.
I would clear out rooms so buyers can read the space quickly. I would handle obvious deferred maintenance before photos and showings. Then I would decide which remaining imperfections are acceptable based on your pricing plan and timeline. Do the work that protects first impressions. Skip the work that does not change your position.
