How To Prepare Your Home For Market Success

Preparing your home for sale may conjure up stressful thoughts of never-ending “to-do” lists that leave you feeling defeated before you start. And while there’s a host of general online information about this topic, what do you need to know about preparing your home for sale in the Reno/Lake Tahoe region?

Today, we share our top insights as they apply to your local neighborhoods. Our skilled real estate advisors have the experience to provide you with solid counsel to streamline the process, resulting in showcasing your home’s unique features and attracting qualified buyers. 

 

 

Meet With Your Realtor (First) 

Sellers often think they must prepare their house for sale first, then invite their Realtor to tour the property. We recommend you tour the property with your agent first to prioritize what needs to be done (or not) before going on the market. Your agent will map out a custom pre-listing process so you can confidently prepare your home for sale.

 

 

Step Outside

With Lake Tahoe/Reno’s fluctuating temperatures, the exterior of your home may require extra sprucing up from broken branches, excess pine needles, or damaged walkways. Take a look at your property from all angles. Does it have good curb appeal? What would a buyer notice first? Giving the exterior of your home a little attention can benefit photography and buyers’ first impressions.

 

 

Is It Worth It?

Before you start painting, changing light fixtures, and updating bathrooms, consult your Realtor. Does the return on investment (ROI) merit the time, energy, and expense of updating your home? What are the chances of a buyer “falling in love” with your renovation choices? Weighing the pros and cons of updating your house before going on the market is worth discussing with your real estate advisor.

 

 

Call The Professionals

Consider securing a Pre-Listing home inspection. This small investment allows you to avoid any unknown repair surprises that may delay finalizing the sale. Are there unknown water leaks from freezing temperatures or roof damage from regional high winds? Getting a snapshot of your home’s condition from a licensed inspector will help you pre-empt any necessary repairs, and convey to buyers a pride of ownership.

 

 

Declutter And Neutralize

While you may love wallpaper from the 1970s, showing a neutral palette will help buyers remain focused on the property’s features instead of the neon green carpet. Buyers will want to check out the storage capacity, so declutter cabinets, drawers, closets, and the garage.  An added bonus: A neutral palette and decluttered property opens the doors for more marketing opportunities, including print and social media. 

 

“Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up a space; it’s about creating an inviting canvas for potential buyers to envision their future, said Rachel Carlson, Marketing Director for Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty. “Clearing away the excess allows the true beauty of a home to shine through in listing photography.” 

 

A thorough cleaning, including windows, gives a property that extra sparkle. For long-distance sellers, especially at Lake Tahoe, a professional cleaning service can simplify the process.

 

 

Dressed For Success

Selling one of your life’s most significant financial investments requires planning, preparation, and wise counsel. Engaging the experience and support of your real estate advisor ensures your home is dressed for success, showcasing it’s finest qualities to the estate market in top condition, while receiving the best price and terms.  Working together, we strive to present every seller with a stress-free transaction from start to finish. 

 

 

Written by: Sandi Solomonson