One of my favorite things about working in the organization industry is the breadth of projects that come your way. Helping out some friends years ago led to working with a handful of Realtors over the last 8 years to support clients in getting their homes ready for the market. Here are my top recommendations for making your home appeal to the highest number of buyers, especially if you will still be living there while selling, beginning with the most important:
DECLUTTERING IS A MUST
If you can do nothing else, go ahead and start packing. Leave plenty of breathing room in each space, closet, vanity and cabinet. It may feel empty to you, but removing small decor, out of season items, clearing surfaces and making sure layouts have easy walkways around furniture will eliminate the visual clutter. This clutter can distract potential buyers or make spaces or storage areas feel cramped or too small, especially in listing photos. Ideally your packed items can be stored off site in storage, or up in the attic or along the sides of a garage.
REPAIRS + TOUCH-UPS
Be sure that all of your light fixtures and plumbing is in good working order, your bathtubs have clean tile + fresh caulk, any paint scuffs are touched up (or walls/ceilings re-painted as needed), the outside is power washed and railings along the steps and deck are tight with fresh paint and repoint any brick mortar. Taking care of these repairs communicate to buyers that this home is well cared for and less likely to have underlying issues.
DEPERSONALIZE
Remove family photos, particularly small frames on built-ins and other surfaces, anything with family or a child’s name, and any super specific hobby items or collections displayed. We want buyers to imagine themselves in this home and sometimes personal items can keep buyers from noticing the elements of the home that matter.
CURB APPEAL
When potential buyers arrive at your home, the exterior is their first impression, outside of listing photos. Ideally, power-wash the exterior and any deck/patio, steps and walkways, remove and store window screens so the windows sparkle, clean up any yard debris and mow, add fresh mulch to all your garden beds. To finish it off, add a fresh welcome mat and colorful potted flowers by the front door or steps and on the back deck or patio. A refreshed front door color with a wreath will be a cheerful welcome to buyers.
GO NEUTRAL (But not too much)
Rooms should feel calm, but not stark. Neutral wall colors provide a great move-in ready foundation in the Main Living Areas and Primary Suite (don’t worry about children’s room colors). A basic furniture layout (i.e. bed, dressers, nightstands and lamps in a bedroom) showcases the function of the room without overwhelming. Fun pops of color with generic artwork, flowers or throw pillows enhance the space.
MAKE THE KITCHEN + BATH SPOTLESS
Clear those counters, clean those appliances, shine those mirrors, dust those light fixtures, and scrub those showers and tubs. Add a green plant or flowers to the counter and fluffy white towels and shower curtain in the bathroom. Add colorful flowers or a bowl of fruit to the kitchen island or dining table.
PRIMARY SUITE VACATION VIBES
Prioritize this bedroom over all the others - decluttering, depersonalizing, clearing surfaces, lightening up/minimizing in the closet, maximizing the layout and adding luxurious bedding with propped up pillows to showcase a restful environment
LIGHTING
Open the blinds wide for photos + showings for maximum natural light, making sure your windows are sparkling. Turn on lamps and add more if the room still feels dark.
So - can you sell a home without consulting a stager or having staging rentals brought in? Of course, but you will likely have less traffic and lower offers. Staging is an investment that should pay off when you sell. You can even get a head start if you’re thinking about selling later this year or down the road to establish a checklist on what projects to begin chipping away on. Need help along the way? Learn more here about how Joy in the Midst can help with packing, decluttering or staging.