Preparing to sell your home is a huge milestone for anyone, and we wanted to chat with you about it especially as spring approaches. At McInturff & Co., we understand the importance of presenting your home in the best possible light to attract potential buyers. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process efficiently and confidently.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the essential steps you can take at different stages leading up to listing your property. From six months out to the day of listing photos, we’ll provide valuable insights and practical tips to ensure your home stands out in the competitive spring market.
Whether you’re addressing major repairs or fine-tuning the details, our guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to succeed.
Let’s get started on transforming your home into the ultimate spring sale success story with McInturff & Co. by your side!
Preparing Your Home to sell Six Months Before Listing
- Talk to a real estate agent and have them run a certified market analysis as well as share their professional opinion on your home. They will be a fresh perspective and suggest projects that can be done to increase your return on your investment.
- Hire a contractor or handyman to handle any major projects or necessary repairs.
Embarking on the journey of selling your home begins with laying the groundwork. By consulting with a real estate agent early on, you can gain valuable insights into the market and identify areas for improvement in your home. Additionally, addressing any major projects or repairs well in advance will ensure your home is in top condition when it’s time to list.
Three Months to Listing: Structural Integrity and Aesthetic Appeal
- Inspect the roof and make repairs as needed.
- Repair cracks and holes in the walls.
- Touch-up paint on interior walls, doors, trim, etc.
- Paint interior walls with neutral colors, like beige, cream, or light pastels if necessary.
- Paint the home’s exterior trim, doors, and shutters.
- Hold a yard sale and sell, donate or trash anything you don’t need.
As the listing date approaches, focus on both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your home. A well-maintained roof and walls free of cracks and holes demonstrate pride of ownership. Fresh paint, both indoors and out, can breathe new life into your home and enhance its overall appeal.
Fine-Tuning Details One Month Prior to Listing
- Steam clean carpets and consider replacing carpet if stains are prominent.
- Power wash the siding and windows.
- Remove excess and oversized furniture.
- Organize closets and store out-of-season clothes.
- Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalks.
With just a month to go, attention turns to the finer details. Cleaning, decluttering, and organizing create an inviting environment for potential buyers. Attention to curb appeal, from manicured lawns to tidy pathways, sets the stage for a positive first impression.
Final Preparations: One to Two Weeks Before Listing
- Thoroughly clean the entire home including outdoor spaces and store all excess decorations.
- Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Remove family photos, personal collections and medications.
- Secure valuable items, including cash and jewelry.
- Mow, water and fertilize the lawn.
- Clean the gutters and downspouts.
- Clean appliances and fixtures.
- Clean and organize the pantry, cabinets and drawers.
- Replace old caulking around sinks and bathtubs.
- Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs.
- Refresh broken/stained curtains and blinds in windows and showers.
- Trim shrubs and trees and rake the leaves.
- Plant colorful flowers and shrubs.
- Store any toys or equipment lying on the yard.
- Remove all small appliances, toys, magazines and pet items.
In the final stretch, meticulous cleaning and staging take center stage. Removing personal items allows buyers to envision themselves in the space, while staging highlights your home’s best features. With careful attention to detail, you can ensure your home shines in listing photos and showings.
Strategies for Listing Photos and preparing to have your home staged to sell:
The day of listing photos is your home’s time to shine. By depersonalizing and decluttering, you create a blank canvas for potential buyers to imagine their future in your home. Attention to lighting and presentation ensures your home makes a memorable impression from the first click. Preparing to sell your home will have so many steps that get you ready for photos already, but we have a few more we really wanted to focus on:
Ahead of time:
- Remove all personalized items to protect your safety as well as leave space for the potential clients to envision themselves in the space.
- Checking all of your light bulbs and replacing any that are out.
- Store all pet food, toys, and accessories out of sight.
- Place fresh mulch on your garden beds and around the base of trees and refresh doormats in the front and back yards.
Day of photos being taken:
- Turn on all lights/lamps and open all curtains to let as much light as possible in.
- Hide all remote controls and tuck cords out of sight.
- Remove the products from your shower and bathroom surfaces as well as close the lids to the toilets.
- Hang a wreath, flower baskets or symmetrical potted plants on/framing your door.
- Remove all trash cans from the base of your driveway and remark your cars at the end of the street.
- Clear your counters and sinks of dishes and accessories.
- Wipe down patio furniture and stage that as well.
Staging can be a powerful tool in showcasing your home’s potential to buyers. Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent who prioritizes staging can make all the difference in presenting your home in its best light. By understanding the importance of staging and collaborating with your agent, you can set the stage for a successful sale.
Your Spring Sale Success Awaits
As you embark on the journey of selling your home this spring, remember that preparation is key to success. By following the comprehensive guide provided by McInturff & Co., you’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure your home stands out in the competitive market.
Key Points to Remember:
- Consult with a real estate agent early on to gain valuable insights into the market.
- Address major repairs and improvements well in advance to showcase your home’s best features.
- Focus on both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your home to make a positive first impression.
- Pay attention to the finer details, such as cleaning, decluttering, and organizing, to create an inviting environment for potential buyers.
- Collaborate with your real estate agent to stage your home effectively for listing photos and showings.
Every detail has been carefully considered to maximize your home’s appeal to potential buyers. With dedication and attention to detail, you’ve transformed your home into a welcoming and inviting space that buyers will find irresistible.
As you move forward to prepare to sell your home, remember that McInturff & Co. is here to support you every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your real estate goals and navigate the complexities of the market with confidence.
Thank you for entrusting McInturff & Co. with being a part of the sale of your home. We look forward to celebrating your success and helping you find the perfect buyer for your property. Here’s to a successful spring sale and a bright future ahead!
Download our favorite printable checklists to prepare your home to sell:
