Selling your home is seldom as simple as sticking a sign in the front yard. There are a lot of preparations you should make to ensure you get the best offer possible in the shortest time.
Repair. You may no longer notice the little cracks in the walls or the subtle shade differences in the carpet but that doesn’t mean a buyer will too. If you have hardwood floors that need refinishing, be sure to get it done—hardwood is a huge selling point. Buyers like to snoop around, so be sure to fix any sticky doors or drawers as well. Finally, don’t forget to address any issues with the exterior—fences, shingles, sidewalks, etc. After all, without curb appeal, some buyers may never get to see the inside.
Neutralize. You want buyers to see themselves in your home. If your living room has lime green shag, wood-paneled walls, and all your collectibles and personal photographs, this will be much harder for them to do. Try replacing any bold color choices in your floors and walls with something more neutral—beiges, tans, and whites. Repainting and reflooring will make everything look fresh and new, and help prospective buyers imagine all the possibilities.
Staging. Once your house is clean and updated, it’s time to play dress up. Small details and décor are touches that will bring out the possibilities in the various spaces in your home: lamps, mirrors, throw rugs and pillows, flowers, decorative soaps and towels, patio furniture. Home staging can be particularly useful if your home is especially old or if the exterior looks dated. Think of it as a little mascara and lip gloss — if done right, you notice the beauty, not the makeup.
The Follow My Heels crew offers FREE staging with any listing. Our staging headquarters can be likened to a Home Goods outlet, we are that serious about the effectiveness of staging! Contact us to get started on your listing checklist...
Kristin (443) 350-6737
Amanda (410) 920-0053
Integrity Real Estate (410) 287-8080
