Are you gearing up to sell your house this Spring? I know it feels like ages away as we cozy up indoors during winter, but trust me, the time will sneak up on you. As a Home Stager, I understand the importance of presenting your home in the best possible light. To help you get a head start, let's chat about these 5 things I recommend you can tackle now to make sure your home is all set to impress come Spring.
#1 – Begin packing early
In our Buyer’s Eyes Consultation, my top tip and key advice for sellers is to de-clutter and depersonalize their current home. Buyers are highly interested in storage space, so let's clear out those closets, basements, and garages.
Now's the time to get a good start on organization and sorting out those items that will not make the move. Begin with out-of-season clothing– aim to keep a third of that closet space empty. Consider packing, selling, or donating any extra furniture not currently in use. We all collect tons of stuff over the years, right? Think about it this way...what’s sorted now, doesn’t need to be touched again at the other end. Less hassle, less work, less stress!
#2 – Apply a fresh coat of paint to your interior walls
Want a wallet-friendly way to add value and make a lasting impression? A fresh paint job is the secret weapon! To appeal to a broad audience of buyers, opt for a light, neutral color. This is especially crucial if your home currently features dark or bold wall colors, designs, or patterns. Paint works wonders to hide wear and tear, neutralize unwanted odors, and gives the impression of a well-cared-for home.
Take a look at the following examples where neutral paint helped set the tone for the best buyer appeal.
Before & After
#3 – Address small maintenance issues
While major renovations are not typically my recommendation before selling, let's make sure your home is in good shape. Pay particular attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Got leaky faucets, a running toilet or wobbly doorknobs? Time to fix those. Tackle any maintenance issues you've been putting off such as caulking and repairing cracked molding and patching up any dings in the walls. Small, simple maintenance tasks can make a buyer see your place in the best light, so knock those out now or get some help to check them off your list.
#4 – Spruce up the outside
First impressions count, right? Well, that goes for your home too. Potential Buyers make up their mind within seconds of arriving. Therefore, spend a bit of time on the exterior – clean out those gutters, get rid of leaves and debris. This not only prevents potential issues down the road but tells buyers your home is well taken care of. And if you've got some unruly shrubs, tame them now. Make that curb appeal shine bright.
#5 – Shed some light
Good lighting is key for showing off your space. This applies to both listing photos and in-person viewings. Walk through each room and make sure all your bulbs are working.
Don't forget to keep the lighting consistent – Soft White light is my go-to recommendation for both ceiling fixtures and lamps. It'll create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Alright, so that's the scoop.
Get started on these, and your place will be turning heads come Spring!
~ Rita Hanisch-Dunbar
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