Useful Tips For Preparing Your Home To Sell
Preparing your home to sell is one of the most important steps in attracting serious buyers and maximizing value. These practical tips from The Via Domus Team will help homeowners throughout Hartford County and Litchfield County present their homes in the best possible light.
A Great First Impression!
Your home has just one chance to make a great first impression with each potential buyer. Connecticut buyers often notice cleanliness, lighting, condition, and curb appeal immediately. In competitive markets throughout Hartford County and Litchfield County, proper preparation can make a meaningful difference in how quickly your home sells and the offers you receive.
Interior Preparation Tips
The Living Room
► Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs
The Dining Room
► Polish any visible silver or crystal
► Set the table for a formal dinner to help buyers imagine entertaining
The Kitchen
► Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out
► Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order
► Clean often forgotten spots on top of refrigerator and under sink
► Wax or sponge floor to brilliant shine, clean baseboards
► Unclutter all counter space, remove countertop appliances
► Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack anything that you won’t be using before you move
The Bathrooms
► Remove all rust and mildew
► Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are immaculate and shining
► Make sure all fixtures are in good repair
► Replace loose caulking or grout
► Make sure lighting is bright, but soft
The Primary Bedroom
► Organize furnishings to create a spacious look with well defined sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas
General Interior Tips
► Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors
► Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary
► Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary
► Clean and wash kitchen and bathroom floors
► Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash windowsills
► Clean the fireplace
► Clean out and organize closets, add extra space by packing away clothes and items you will not need soon
► Remove extra furniture, worn rugs and items you do not use
► Repair problems such as loose doorknobs, cracked molding, leaking taps and toilets, closet and screen doors that are off their tracks
► Secure and pack away jewelry, cash, and other valuables
Additional Areas to Prepare
The Garage
► Sell, give away or throw out unnecessary items
► Clean oily cement floors
► Provide strong overhead light
► Tidy storage and work areas
The Basement
► Sell, give away or throw away unnecessary items
► Organize and create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves
► Clean water heater and drain sediment
► Have furnace cleaned (oil) or change filter
► Make inspection access easy
► Clean walls, paint if necessary
► Provide strong overhead lighting
The Attic
► Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing
► Make sure energy-saving insulation is apparent
► Make sure air vent is in working order
► Provide lighting
Exterior & Curb Appeal Tips
Your Home’s Curb Appeal
► Mow lawn
► Trim shrubs
► Edge gardens and walkways
► Sweep walkways and driveway, remove branches, litter, or toys
► Remove mildew and moss from walls or walks with bleach and water or other cleaner
► Take stains off your driveway with cleanser or kitty litter
► Stack wood pile neatly
► Clean and repair patio and deck area
► Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good repair
► Make sure pool or spa sparkles
► Replace old storm doors
► Check for flat-fitting roof shingles
► Repair broken windows and shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have solid caulking
► Power wash home exterior, touch up paint especially around window trim
► Repair and clean gutters and remove rust from any air conditioning units
► Paint the front door and mailbox
► Add a new front door mat and consider a seasonal door decoration
► Clean outside lighting fixtures
Tips on Showing Your Home
Agents from many real estate firms will want to show your home. Please allow any agent who calls us to show your home at the suggested time. It is suggested that you allow an electronic lock box to be installed on your door. You will increase your odds for a sale by allowing more qualified buyers to see your home. You do not want to miss an out-of-town transferee because your home could not be shown.
► Open all draperies and window shades during daylight hours
► Turn on all lights and replace burnt out bulbs during late afternoon or evening showings
► Open windows one half hour before a showing (weather permitting) to circulate fresh air
► Open all doors between rooms to give an inviting feeling
► Place fresh flowers on kitchen table and/or living room
► The kitchen and bathrooms should sparkle and no clutter
► Pets should be removed or at least confined or restricted from view. Eliminate pet odors. Keep in mind, some people may be allergic to pets
► All jewelry and small valuables should be stored in a safety box or hidden safely away
► Beds should be made, and clothes picked up.
► Bathrooms should be clean, with towels folded and toilet lid down
► Make sure all waste baskets are empty or covered
► Carpets should be quickly vacuumed
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Why Preparation Matters
Homes that feel clean, bright, and well maintained create stronger first impressions. Taking time to prepare before listing can improve buyer perception, increase showing activity, and help support stronger offers.
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“They are the dream team. Always on point. Always had an answer to any of our questions. No matter when I called they answered and talked to me. Our house was sold in 4 days with the team. It was amazing, was not expecting to be sold that fast. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to sell or buy. They know what they are doing. If I ever sell again, I am looking for these two. It was a great experience with them.”
- Jason & Melissa Black — Seller in Torrington, CT