Seller’s Prep

Smart Ways to Think Ahead Before You List Your Home

Selling your home is an important decision, so when you do, you'll want top dollar.
Here are some of our best tips for preparing your home for listing.

Fresh & Clean

Deep clean every room. Do one room a day or hire a cleaning service if it's too daunting, but a clean home is step one.

Clear the Clutter

We all have a place where mail accumulates, coats and shoes get dropped, or every appliance we own cluttering our counters. The adage a place for everything and everything in its place is your new best friend.

Simplify Decor

Make your future buyers envision themselves in your beautiful home by removing any collections and decor that is too unique.

Put Away Personal Items

Get rid of the magnets and lists on the fridge, and the photos of the family scattered all about. It’s a good time to start packing all your treasured mementos away for your move. Consider a safe for important documents and stash expensive jewelry there as well or in a safe deposit box.

Light & Bright

Clean windows, clean drapes or sheers, turn on your overheads and check if you need more lighting every room should have multiple light sources so your home is bright and inviting.

Plants & Flowers

Beautiful plants and vases or flowers show you love your home and make every room seem elegant and finished. Decorate for the season with wreaths on doors or seasonal centerpieces on tables.

Remove Bulky, Dated or Worn Furnishings

Large furniture makes your rooms look cramped, damaged or worn furniture makes your home feel worn too. Many buyers assess the furniture more than they realize as they tour homes so updated or staged homes sell faster and for more money. Consider staging or piece staging your home!

Start Packing Your Closets

Nothing is more important than a place to stash your stuff for buyers. Pack early and empty half your closets. Invest in some matched baskets or boxes to hide the items inside and donate while you go to make the process a win-win.

Fix it All

Loose hinges, leaking faucets or half-finished projects, wrap these items up and enjoy the benefits yourself while knowing how much better your home will show.

Renovate on the Quick

Slipcovers on furniture, fresh white bedding, new pillows on the sofas and lounge chairs, new cabinet hardware and updated ceiling lights and wall sconces will make your home seem totally refreshed. This is also a very good time to replace that treasured chandelier that must come with you so the buyer doesn’t miss it.

Choose Each Room’s Purpose

No multi-use catch-all rooms such as an office/guest room/craft/storage room are not the ticket here. Choose the purpose and stage the room accordingly.

Bathroom as Spa

Stage your bathroom with stacked white towels, hand towels, pretty soap vessels, scented candles, and plants. Change your old shower curtain to two white curtains with liners to create an elegant feel, and make certain that products are kept at a minimum in the shower and organized with a new shower caddy or tucked into drawers.

Highlight Pretty Architecture

Fireplace mantles, window seats, reading nooks or beautiful moldings set your home apart so help them stand out by placing flowers, pillows, and lighting to complement them.

Make Your Home Inviting

Scented candles, flowing conversation areas, well-designed furniture arrangements and Instagram-worthy still-lifes, help define areas and purpose in your home. A beautiful bowl of red-apples, a cozy afghan on an ottoman, by the corner chair, a nearby table with lamp and a book, or a beautifully arranged bookcase all highlight the life that you live and buyers will want to live.

Repaint the Walls Neutral Colors

White is the current hottest color for flips so it’s a smart choice. Try Benjamin Moore Cloud Nine, Simply White or White Dove or find your own favorite neutral color.

Curb Appeal “Beautiful”

Overgrown shrubs, scruffy lawns, peeling paint, cracked driveways, dinged mailboxes and sagging fences do not make your buyer feel welcomed. Get everything into shape outside, then add some landscape lighting (try solar) and some pretty plants in pots by the front door to make your home beautiful not just inside but outside too.

Last Details

When it comes to deep cleaning your home, don't forget about those hard-to-reach places like the tops of cabinets, behind appliances, and the baseboards. A clean home is not only visually appealing, but it also indicates to potential buyers that the home has been well-maintained.

Clearing clutter can be a daunting task, but it's an important step in preparing your home for sale. Consider using storage solutions like shelving, baskets, or decorative boxes to keep items organized and out of sight. It's also a good idea to remove any items that may be offensive or controversial, such as political or religious memorabilia.

Simplifying decor is all about creating a neutral backdrop that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space. This means removing any items that are too personal or unique, like family photos, quirky collections, or bold artwork. Instead, opt for simple, tasteful decor that enhances the space without overwhelming it.

When it comes to lighting, natural light is always best. Make sure to open blinds and curtains to let in as much light as possible. If a room doesn't have much natural light, consider adding additional light sources like floor lamps or table lamps. And don't forget about accent lighting like under-cabinet lights or pendant lights to highlight key features of the home.

Staging your home is an important part of the selling process. If you're not sure where to start, consider hiring a professional home stager. They can help you rearrange furniture, add decor, and create a cohesive look that appeals to potential buyers. And don't forget about the power of scent! A few well-placed candles or diffusers can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that will make potential buyers feel right at home.

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of curb appeal. The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it's important to make a good impression. This means keeping the lawn trimmed, adding fresh mulch to flower beds, and making any necessary repairs to the exterior of the home. A few well-placed potted plants and a new welcome mat can also go a long way in creating an inviting entrance.