IN Mars Area Spring 2019 | Page 11

INDUSTRY INSIGHT REAL ESTATE SPONSORED CONTENT HOME THIS WINTER H FOR A SUCCESSFUL SPRING SALE ere’s our go-to list of what sellers should be doing now to ensure a successful sale this spring. If you are planning to sell your home this spring, why not get a jumpstart during winter season so you have more time and less stress while preparing? An added plus is that your home could potentially be ready to list for the spring selling season. It’s a win-win! 1. Assess Your Home’s Condition – Inside & Out The first step is to do a thorough walk-through with an objective eye. Does it have “move-in ready appeal” that will “wow” young, savvy buyers? Is there chipped paint on moldings and trim? Is the front entry carpet runner worn and could benefit from replacing? Look at your property through the lens of your buyer and determine what needs the most attention so that Millennials with families can immediately connect and envision themselves living there with minimal work to do when they move in. 2. First Impressions Go a Long Way With the changing seasons, try to tackle exterior repairs and landscaping while you can by keeping gutters clean, lawn raked, shrubs trimmed and driveways/walkways shoveled. For an inviting front porch with curb appeal, maintain a polished look each season with welcoming accents such as potted evergreens or berry branches, a beautiful wreath on the door, glowing lanterns, and a colorful welcome mat. 3. Remove Distractions & Get Organized Tackle clutter one room at a time and decide whether to keep or purge items based on when you last touched or used it. Remove personal items, collectibles and excessive furniture that distract from the room’s key features as well as its perceived size and flow. Then organize the remaining items with efficient storage solutions such as baskets and containers for closets, drawers and cabinets. 4. Make it Fresh & Bright Ask yourself if the color on the walls and cabinets is too dark. Does wallpaper need to be removed? Are window treatments dated and heavy? Does worn carpet need replacing? Do hardwood floors need polishing? Simply adding a fresh coat of neutral “greige” paint to dark walls will brighten the room by creating a backdrop to showcase the other elements in the room, such as the white trim, new carpeting, wall art, and furniture. 5. Create the “Wow Factor” Once you’ve invested in the necessary upgrades for move- in ready appeal, buyers still need to emotionally connect by envisioning how their furnishings will look in the space. Staging a home is an investment in getting the property sold and for top dollar. Professional stagers can create the “wow” factor that might be needed after all of the repairs and upgrades are finished. Complete the look with strategically placed modern furniture paired with pops of colorful and inviting accents that will make a lasting impression. This blog post first appeared in Coldwell Banker Blue Matter found at blog. coldwellbanker.com. “I pride myself on a thorough understanding of my clients’ needs and desires, as well as my ability to make my clients feel as though they are my only client.” LUZ CAMPBELL / Office: 724.776.2900 / Cell: 724.713.1462 / [email protected] © 2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. MARS AREA ❘ SPRING 2019 9