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Preparing Your Home to Sell

The Wright Group is excited to help you get your home ready to list for sale! Investing your time, energy, and resources into the suggestions below will help you sell more quickly and get top dollar for your home.

Realtor walk through. We will personally walk through your home with you, room by room, to discuss potential improvements. By focusing on key enhancements that can decrease your days on the market and increase your profit, we’ll help you achieve top dollar for your home.

Light bulbs. It’s easy to overlook burned-out bulbs, but proper lighting makes an incredible difference in showcasing your home. You’ll want your space to be as bright as possible. Please ensure every bulb is working, including those in lamps, the pool light, landscaping lights, and the light over your oven. The functionality of all lights is key, as they will be turned on for photo day and during every showing of your property.

Storage unit or garage. Consider placing any boxes, clutter, extra toys, bulky or damaged furniture pieces in a storage unit, or if necessary, organizing them neatly in the garage. We can assist you in developing a plan for any furniture that may need to be removed or relocated, ensuring your home looks its best.

The bathrooms. Clear the counters by removing any toiletries on display, aiming for a white, bright, spa-like ambiance! Investing in new white towels for the towel racks in all bathrooms can enhance this effect. Shower curtains should be light and neutral as well, complementing the overall aesthetic and creating a clean, inviting space.

Laundry room. Clean and organize. If there’s a cluttered shelf above your washer and dryer, consider investing in three matching bins to conceal those items. This simple yet effective solution can transform the space, making it look more appealing and harmonious.

The kitchen. From a buyer’s perspective, the kitchen ranks as one of the most vital rooms in your home. Aim for clear and uncluttered counters. Clean the inside of the oven, microwave, and fridge, and remove magnets, photos, and reminders. Consider minimizing decor atop the cabinets, as they can distract and accumulate dust. A low cost yet impactful option to refresh your kitchen might include switching out the faucet, adding a fresh touch that appeals to prospective buyers.

The bedrooms. Aim to make the bedrooms inviting and serene. Thoroughly clean and declutter to create a calming atmosphere. If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a neutral-colored duvet cover or a fluffy white down comforter. Recall the elegance of your last stay in a luxury hotel and aim to replicate that experience. Ensure all beds have a minimum of four pillows with crisp white sheets and remove any bulky furniture that may hinder the flow and appeal of the room.

Master closet. Evaluate your wardrobe, identifying items, including shoes, that you haven’t worn in over a year. Consider packing up or donating those pieces. By reducing the amount of clothing hanging and folded on shelves, you’ll make the closet appear more spacious. A streamlined and organized appearance will emphasize the size and potential of this essential space, enhancing its appeal to prospective buyers.

Backyard. Your outdoor space is an extension of your home and should be as inviting as the interior. Ensure that your yard is free of weeds and meticulously cleaned. If you have a pool, it should be a sparkling feature, with clear water and clean tiles. This attention to detail can turn the yard into an appealing oasis, highlighting the property’s potential for relaxation and entertainment.

Personal Items. To attract the widest range of potential buyers, it’s important to depersonalize your home as much as possible. We want buyers to be able to envision their own belongings in your space, rather than being distracted by personal artifacts. Consider walking through each room of your house with the eyes of a buyer, removing or rearranging items that might make it harder for others to imagine the space as their own.

Paint touch-ups and re-painting. A fresh coat of paint is an effective way to enhance your home’s look. Bold colors may turn off some buyers, so consider repainting with
neutral shades if needed. Light colors will make your home feel more spacious and bright, appealing to a broader audience.

Small repairs. Now is a good time to address those lingering repair tasks you’ve been putting off. Fix the leaky faucet under the sink, fill the picture holes, replace the air filters, and so on. If you’re not skilled in these tasks, consider hiring a handyman to handle them for you.

Windows. Have the windows cleaned professionally, inside and out. Investing in expert window cleaning before your photo and video day is worth it. Light, bright, and clean windows make a difference in the ambiance inside your home.

Carpets. Consider having the carpets cleaned. If they aren’t brand new, steam cleaning can make a remarkable difference. If your carpets are beyond cleaning, it could be time to discuss alternative options for replacing the flooring.

Final house cleaning. While you can handle this final step yourself, we recommend hiring professional cleaners to ensure all spots are cleaned, even those you might miss. Additionally, it may be wise to maintain a cleaning service while your home is on the market, keeping it fresh and appealing for showings.

Pets. Prospective Buyers may not be pet lovers. Make a plan to have your pets out of the house for showings if possible. Remove all signs of pets for photo and video day (hide bowls, litter boxes, crates).

Smells. It’s vital for home sellers to honestly assess and address any lingering odors in their home, rather than merely masking them. Aim for a clean smell, not just a deodorized one, as strong scents can hinder a buyer’s decision-making process. Avoid cooking foods that might produce strong odors before showings. Scents like vanilla and citrus are often preferred, and essential oils can be a great option as well.

Staging. There are certain situations where some light or full staging may be recommended. We will discuss this option with you in more detail during our walk through.

Photo and video shoot. When your home is ready, it’s time for the photographer and videographer to work their magic. This will usually take place about a week before we list your home for sale. Natural light is crucial, so plan to have all lights on and blinds up for this day. We strive to shoot in the best lighting possible; if rain or severe clouds occur, we may need to reschedule. Rest assured, all of your hard work will be well worth it!

Showings. Open the blinds to allow natural light to fill the rooms. Turn on every light in the house to enhance brightness. Secure valuable items, including medication, cash, and jewelry, for safety during showings.

Final note. This list may seem daunting but it truly is all in the details. The details are what will make your home stand out from the rest and we will be here to help you every step of the way!

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