What You Can Do Now to Get Your House Ready to Sell

Curb appeal on point.

Ready. Set. Go. 

Every small project or “touch” can make a big impact in helping sellers get top dollar.

Buyers tend to prefer homes that feel up-to-date so I often recommend that my seller clients freshen up in a number of simple ways.  For instance adding stylish throw pillows to couches and chairs (I can always assist in the selection), dressing beds in crisp linens and comforters and placing new towels in bathrooms can go a long way in making a home more current, appealing and attractive to potential buyers.

Sometimes small make-overs (kitchen and/or bathroom) can make big differences in time on market and sale price – I can help with judgement calls on where to spend and what to leave as-is. 

Also, I cannot over-emphasize the power of paint to make a front door/home/room/piece of furniture feel clean and new as paint truly does hide a multitude of sins.  On the exterior either mulch, or here in the Piedmont, pine straw, also serve the same purpose: these ground coverings immediately make flower beds seem tidy and well-manicured.  Generally potential buyers don’t want to feel like they have a yard to clean up and if too many “projects” start to present themselves, buyers can feel overwhelmed by objections and lose interest in a property altogether.  

Showing Checklist

Once my clients have their home listed we come up with a Showing Checklist custom tailored to their specific needs and home.  For instance if my seller has several vehicles and not much storage we make arrangements for the cars to be off the property for showings so the potential buyers don’t see a cluttered driveway.  If my clients have a cat, we ensure that the checklist includes changing the cat litter before showings to ensure an as fresh as possible experience for people coming through the home.  Polishing stainless appliances, opening all curtains and blinds and making sure the home smells neutral (no food odors) are just a few examples of items I include on the checklist.

The checklist below is chock full of additional (excellent!) tips for getting your home ready to sell: