Six Things You "Must Do" Before Listing Your Home

Working with buyers, I've learned a thing or two about what they like and dislike and what turns them away instantly from buying a home. Below I've listed what I consider "must-do's" before you list your home.

When you’re ready to list your home, it’s important to show it in the best light. Taking time to highlight its strengths and fix some of its possible weaknesses can significantly affect how fast it sells. Here are my top recommended repairs and tasks before selling your home.

Repaint walls.

Giving your home a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to spruce it up, and generally, it can be a do-it-yourself project. Make sure to cover any walls with scratches and chips, and consider updating any accent walls with a more neutral coat. Buyers are becoming more discerning; surprisingly, the wall color has become the #1 dislike of a home when buyers submit feedback. Need help with color choices? Contact me - I use a color expert who previously worked with Sherwin Williams, and she knows color!

Repair floors.

Hardwood floors are desirable in a home, so you want to ensure they look their best by fixing scratches or dull areas. If your carpet is worn or stained, consider replacing them. And don’t forget the tile in your kitchen or bathrooms. Re-grouting can go a long way in making dingy tile work look brand new!

Refresh the landscaping.

Outdoor living in Colorado is a priority for most buyers. Show them your home is the full package by dressing up the outside, which is just as important as the interior. Clean walkways and driveways, plant seasonal flowers and plants, trim hedges and trees, install outdoor décor pieces, and fill in mulch and gravel. Don't forget to pull those pesky weeds! Then hang a wreath, and put down a welcome mat to give a welcoming vibe. If you have a dog, this should go without saying, but you'd be surprised how many land mines I've had to step around when showing a home. Clean up after your pets before each showing!

Fix your fixtures.

Leaky faucet? Rusted drains? Loose drawer handle? These small fixes can make a big difference to potential buyers with detailed-orientated minds. Buyers WILL look under sinks to see if there have been previous water leaks.

Kitchen - the heart of the home.

An outdated kitchen can be a real eyesore in a home. Buyers walk in and start adding up what it would cost to remodel a kitchen if it is completely outdated. Updating or painting cabinetry, adding new knobs, repairing or replacing countertops, and installing new faucets and sinks may be worth the investment. I can help determine what investments will be the best ROI. If updating is not in your budget, ensure all appliances are working and clean.

Clean, then clean some more.

A professional cleaning goes a long way in making a first impression. Not only should you remove most of your personal items and declutter like crazy, but invest in hiring a professional cleaner to make your home sparkle. We all have different interpretations of "clean," so don't assume your level of clean will be enough to impress buyers. If your home is semi-outdated, buyers can look past that if they see it is clean and well taken care of.

I have a full list of tasks to prepare your home for sale so contact me at joannc@remax.net, and I'd be happy to send it to you!