Preparing to Sell

Selling your home doesn?t just mean hiring a realtor to stick a sign out front. There are a lot of preparations you should make to ensure you get the best offer possible in the shortest time.

Repair. Just because you’ve gotten used to the cracks in the walls and the rattles in the radiators doesn’t mean a buyer will too. If you have hardwood floors that need refinishing, be sure to get it done—hardwood is a huge selling point. Buyers like to snoop around, so be sure to fix any sticky doors or drawers as well.

Finally, don’t forget to address any issues with the exterior—fences, shingles, sidewalks, etc. After all, without curb appeal, some buyers may never get to see the inside.

Neutralize. You want buyers to see themselves in your home. If your living room has lime green shag, wood-paneled walls, and all your collectibles and personal photographs, this will be much harder for them to do. Try replacing any bold color choices in your floors and walls with something more neutral—beiges, tans, and whites. Repainting and reflooring will make everything look fresh and new, and help prospective buyers imagine all the possibilities.

Stage. Once your house is clean and updated, it’s time to play dress up. Home stagers can add small details and décor touches that will bring out the possibilities in the various spaces in your home: lamps, mirrors, throw rugs and pillows, flowers, decorative soaps and towels, patio furniture. Home staging can be particularly useful if your home is especially old or if the exterior looks dated. Think of it as a little mascara and rouge—if it’s done right, you notice the beauty, not the makeup.

About the author

My philosophy is simple: clients come first. I pledge to be
in constant communication with my clients, keeping them fully informed
throughout the entire buying or selling process. I believe that if
you’re not left with an amazing experience, I haven’t done my job. I
don’t measure success through achievements or awards but through the
satisfaction and repeat/referral business of my clients and becoming
your top realtor choice when it comes to buying or selling real estate.

Having spent most of my life in Portland living in Northeast, Southeast,
Bethany, Hillsboro, Beaverton, downtown and St. Johns, I’m very
knowledgeable of the many different neighborhoods and surrounding areas our city has to offer.