When it comes to selling your home, apart from choosing the right Realtor, the preparation you undertake for your home's listing will exert the most substantial influence on your results. Leveraging my extensive experience, I've developed a blueprint of best practices to ensure that my clients' homes consistently distinguish themselves as top contenders for buyers, ultimately commanding premium prices.

 

CREATE A BLANK CANVAS

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Before putting your home on the market, start by decluttering and depersonalizing it. Remove items you no longer need, and consider utilizing a storage unit for excess furniture or belongings (or use your garage for this purpose). Whether you have children still living at home or they've moved out but left their belongings behind, having well-organized and open spaces will emphasize your home's size. Depersonalization is equally crucial; take down family photos and personalized decorations to enable potential buyers to envision the space as their own. You want every buyer who enters your home to establish a connection, so avoid anything that might deter them.

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REDUCE DISTRACTIONS

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When potential buyers visit your home, you want their attention to be on the overall property, rather than being distracted by a bright green wall or the pink paint in your daughter's room. Typically, buyers are drawn to homes with more neutral color schemes. Before you list your home for sale, make sure there are no areas with bold or eye-catching paint colors. If you're considering repainting, opt for a more understated color that harmonizes with the rest of the house. This will create a more appealing and cohesive look for potential buyers.
 

MAKE IT SPARKLE

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Invest in a thorough deep cleaning of your property, including carpets, windows (exterior and interior), and hard-to-reach areas. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, ensuring they sparkle. Cleaning your home will also give you a better view of what items need to be repaired, such as carpet. 

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REPAIRS & MAINTENENCE

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Address any necessary repairs and maintenance tasks before listing your home. This includes fixing leaky faucets, replacing damaged tiles, repairing cracked walls, and touching up paint. When prospective buyers visit properties, whatever fixes need to be made will be reduced from their offer. Your Realtor will have more insight into what repairs make sense for ROI.  

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SET THE STAGE

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Staging your home is a strategic move that can make a big difference. Consider a professional stager who can arrange furniture and decor to highlight the best features of your home. It's also essential to understand that the quality of staging can significantly influence a buyer's perception of a property. Staging quality can vary, so when you interview a Realtor, make sure to request examples of their staged listings to assess the presentation quality. 

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A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

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The exterior of your home sets the tone for what buyers can expect inside. Enhance your curb appeal by trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, planting flowers, and refreshing the paint if needed. A welcoming entryway with a clean front door and well-maintained landscaping can make a significant impact.

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PICTURE PERFECT

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When your home is being showcased on the market, it's important to remember that buyers are often browsing through numerous listings. The initial image used to promote your home must be compelling enough not only to grab their attention but also to pique their curiosity. Starting from that first picture, the sequence of images should effectively narrate the story of your home. Unfortunately, I've seen many listings with unnecessary images or an order that doesn't create a seamless and engaging flow.

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KEEP UP APPEARANCES

While your home is on the market, which includes the time between open houses and private showings, it's crucial to maintain its optimal presentation. This involves consistently keeping the home clean and well-organized while also being mindful of any strong odors, not just from cooking but also from candles or other sources. Smell is often one of the first things that potential buyers notice when they enter a home, and it can leave a lasting impression, whether positive or negative.

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LET IT BE SEEN

All the other advice becomes less effective if potential buyers can't easily access your home. It's essential to be as accommodating as possible when it comes to showings and open houses. While it may be inconvenient at times, I've witnessed situations where buyers opted to pass on a home and chose another because they couldn't schedule a visit when it suited them. So, being flexible with access can significantly impact your home's chances of selling.

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SIMPLIFY YOUR MOVE WITH SAM FITZ-SIMON

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When you're in need of a Tri-Valley Realtor, Sam Fitz-Simon should be at the top of your list. With a dedicated team and a network of carefully selected, reliable service providers, Sam streamlines the entire process for you. Offering a concierge-level service, Sam and his team take charge of every step, ensuring that your home is presented in its most appealing and market-ready condition. Get in touch with Sam today to learn more about how we can showcase your home in the best light.