Getting your home ready to list

You’ve likely heard stories about people selling their home the weekend it goes on the market. It happens, but not without putting in the work ahead of time. 

We’re here to help you navigate a sound selling strategy that achieves the best possible outcome (top dollar) in the fewest days on the market. Getting your property ready to sell takes some time and energy, but the effort will likely work to your advantage. 

De-clutter 

Clear the kitchen counters. Ditto for the bath vanities. Put three things on the coffee table, not seven. Toss the stack of magazines you haven’t had time to read. Closets don’t need to be empty, but they should feel (and look) organized. Pack the personal photos. If a room feels crowded, remove a piece or two of furniture to create a sense of spaciousness.   

Clean

After you’ve de-cluttered, get out the cleaning supplies and have at it, or hire a service. A clean home is more attractive. It feels more inviting. As much as possible, keep your home clean, with shoes away from the front door and the kitchen counters cleared, while you’re on the market.

Don’t forget the garage

Garages are classic catch-alls. Bikes, skis, lawn mowers, shovels, garden tools, strollers, an extra freezer — the list goes on and on. Organize the gear in the garage. Recycle, sell, or give away the gear you no longer use. Hose down the floor. 

Spiff up the yard and gardens

If there’s no snow on the ground, rake the grass and clean out the flower beds and gardens. If you’re on-market in the summer, keep the grass mowed. Remove clutter from the front porch, deck and patio. Arrange outdoor furniture to show buyers how to use the space. Help them imagine enjoying the property.

Why we recommend staging your home

There’s one big reason to stage a home: it shows better, and homes that show well are more likely to sell. Pack the personal photos and souvenirs that make potential buyers feel like they’re intruding on your space. If they like the home, they want to get a good look. Help them feel comfortable looking. Help them imagine living there.

If you’re thinking about listing, we’re available to discuss strategy, timing, and how to gauge the market this spring. Give us a call. We’d love to help you prepare for a successful sale.