You have decided to sell your home and are convinced you will get top dollar in this market. But, will you? A quick aside: most people want to sell in the springtime because the perception is this is the best time to do so. Why? Because we have always been told this. Let me ask a question: would you rather sell against 75 other homes on the market or 25? We all would prefer less competition, allowing you more control. If you have been thinking about selling, the time to do so is NOW!

I don’t know about you, but I love watching real estate programs. I enjoy them all: Million Dollar Listing LA and NY, Flip or Flop, Love it or List it, plus a plethora of others if I am being honest about ambient television. What’s ambient television? Programming that allows you to follow along without paying close attention to every detail. It is essentially background noise with a very modest storyline that requires very little cerebral horsepower. The homes are typically finished nicely, perhaps trendy, and usually offer a successful ending. 

Seems simple, right? Well, it is if you follow a proven plan. First and foremost, you are going to need exposure through a real estate professional, epic photography, possibly drone footage, a virtual tour, and any other new marketing tactic to make its presence felt that garners broad attention. But, before any of that can take place, your home must be prepped for sale. What does that entail? 

As a reminder, you are wanting top dollar for your home. This means it must stand out amongst the vast majority of other homes on the market. Here are 7 tips to help you get top dollar that is budget-friendly and they can make a huge difference.

1. Paint – Fresh paint on the walls and trim will bring youth to your home and is a very economical option for most home sellers. Think whites and light grays. Darker colors tend to make rooms feel smaller. 

2. Declutter – Less is more. This includes all drawers, cabinets, closets, pantries, refrigerators, freezers, and the garage. Personally, nothing can be more off-putting than a closet overstuffed with so much clothing that you cannot see anything but, well, clothing. How about a refrigerator with leftovers tossed inside in an unorganized fashion? Any space that is overpopulated with items will feel small and uncomfortable. 

3. Depersonalize – I know this is a tough one for many families. Remember, the goal is for the potential purchasers to feel like this is their home! It is the one! Before they can do that, they must see themselves living and being happy in your home. Always take down family photos, memorabilia, that special recognition from your company in the study, and so on. Replace with generic items if needed to fill a space. 

4. Landscape – Fresh mulch, fresh seasonal colors, and trimming of hedges, shrubs, and trees are vital for that pop of curb appeal. The front of your home is the first thing your potential buyer will see and they will formulate a positive or negative opinion in seconds. 

5. Powerwash – Be sure and clean all of the flatwork and portions of the home that have collected dirt and grime over the years. This includes masonry, concrete, and decks. 

6. Wash Windows – Inside, outside, and don’t forget to clean the tracks! This is so important and many homeowners skip this vital step. It shows a level of care that most sellers on the market may not be achieving. 

7. Take Your Pets – When you have showings on your home, the furry kiddos need to be treated like human kiddos. They need (and want) to be with you. This will allow your potential buyers to view all areas of the home without having to worry about pets escaping or becoming irritated. 

I realize all of this can be overwhelming. Planning is the first step and executing that plan to perfection results in a happy sales experience for all involved. Choosing to work with a trusted real estate professional will ease a good amount of this burden. Taking these steps to prepare your home for the market should result in maximizing your home’s market value. Please reach out with any questions you may have. Happy Selling!