Pre-sale preparation will impact how buyers view your home, how long it takes to sell, and the sale price. The investment to spruce up your home before putting it on the market will pay off for you. Following are some of the things you should consider. Annie and Denise can help you prioritize what to do and help you find the right resources to do the things you don’t want to do yourself.

 

Exterior

  • Spruce up your landscaping—add colored accent flowers, make sure grass is green and cut, trim shrubbery and trees, remove and replace dead plants, tidy up garden beds (mulch is an easy way to freshen up beds)
  • Remove, refresh, or replace outdoor furniture—sometimes just adding new cushions does the trick
  • Clean or paint your front door
  • Check that house numbers, mailbox, and exterior lighting are all in good condition
  • Remove any clutter from the yard—front and back
  • Fix any damaged gates, railings, and fencing
  • Touch up with fresh paint as needed—especially the front door
  • Check window and door screens—clean stains and replaced damaged screens

Interior

  • Apply fresh paint to walls and ceilings as needed—use bright neutral colors
  • Clean blinds, draperies, and carpets—remove or replace anything worn
  • Replace burnt out light bulbs
  • Clean the fireplace and remove smoke stains from the wall and mantle
  • Wax or refinish hardwood floors

Bathrooms

  • Update light and plumbing fixtures in bathrooms and kitchen
  • Change out old mirrors
  • Replace worn cabinet doors
  • Get a new, neutral color/patterned shower curtain

Kitchen

  • Replace old appliances
  • Fix grout around sink and tile
  • Update light and plumbing fixtures
  • Add a new backsplash using contemporary tile

Attic, Garage, Basement, Shed, and Other Storage Areas

  • Remove clutter and organize
  • Check that lights and door openers work
  • Sweep rafters and walls to remove cobwebs and dust
  • Clean the floor and shelves
  • Consider adding siding to the interior or painting the inside and floor to give it a fresh feel

Source: Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2019
Download PDF of Seller Highlights

More Helpful Articles

Happy Earth Day! 

Happy Earth Day! 

While every day should be Earth Day, use today as a reminder about how lucky we are to call this planet home. It is also a good time to consider small things you can do to take care of her. This doesn't have to be daunting; you can start in your home by making minor...

read more
Make Your Own Whale Tales

Make Your Own Whale Tales

Whale whale whale, guess what time it is? Peak whale watching season in the Bay Area! Spanning across the Bay and coast, over four types of whales are expected to be present now. Because they are close by, many opportunities exist to spot them putting on a show. ...

read more
April Showers Bring Filoli Flowers 

April Showers Bring Filoli Flowers 

Spring flowers are in full bloom, making it the perfect time to visit Filoli! The gardens on this 654-acre estate offer a tranquil escape from your daily routine. Whether you want to take a stroll, enjoy a scenic picnic, or update your family pictures, Filoli has...

read more