5 Tips to Prepare Your Home For the Market

When you’re getting ready to sell your home, attention to detail is KEY. Even small touches like fresh paint, new fixtures, added flowers in the yard, and a deep clean go a long way to impress potential buyers!! Here are 5 things to consider…

Consult with a Realtor to determine which remodels and/or repairs you should prioritize.

This is a good idea because real estate agents should have a good feel of what potential buyers in your market might be looking for as well as what matters to them. Getting a professional opinion will prevent you from spending money on projects that might not be worth it.

Get rid of clutter. If you can fully move all of your belongings from the home, even better!

In a perfect world, you’ll move fully out of your home before listing it. It’s easier for potential buyers to envision a life in your home if they don’t see your family photos on the wall, belongings in the cabinets and closets, etc. If you’re not able to move out, at least try to box up what you can and put it neatly in the garage or closets.

Deep clean! Dust all surfaces, wash windows, polish appliances…

You want your home to sparkle, so a thorough cleaning is definitely recommended. One of the biggest tips I tell my sellers is to have the windows professionally washed inside and out (and to take the screens out) so that they look clear in photos. This makes a bigger difference than you would think!

Stage the home with simple décor and add a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint if needed.

Fresh, neutral interior paint and effective staging goes a long way. According to study by the National Association of Realtors in 2021, with an average of 1% of the sale price put into staging, about 75% of sellers saw a ROI of 5-15% over asking price. Additionally, 82% of buyers agents said the staging helped their buyers visualize the property as their own, which is more likely to prompt them to write an offer.

Boost curb appeal. Trim shrubs and trees, add flowers, weed, fix any peeling paint, etc.

We all know that first impression is everything! You want your home to catch people’s eye when they drive by (or see that first exterior photo online). Paying attention to the outside of your house as well as your front yard is very important.

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If you live in the Greater Seattle area and you have specific questions about what home projects or updates you should focus on – call me! I’d love to be a resource for you.

Sorelle Hardin | Residential Broker
Windermere Real Estate Co.
sorelle@windermere.com
253-720-5580