Preparing Your Home to Sell: Staging and Curb Appeal

Preparing Your Home to Sell: Staging and Curb Appeal

Marsh and Mihaly Marketing Group

Selling your home is a significant undertaking, and one of the key factors in achieving a successful sale is preparing your home to appeal to potential buyers. Two critical aspects to focus on during this process are staging your home's interior and enhancing its curb appeal. With our vast experience as 25 Brokers and Realtors from all brokerages in the Dripping Springs area, we have compiled a few of our best practices.

Staging Your Home:

1. Declutter and Depersonalize: Start by decluttering your home. Remove personal items, family photos, and excessive knick-knacks. The goal is to create a neutral and inviting atmosphere that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.

2. Deep Clean: A clean home is a must. Consider hiring professionals for a thorough cleaning to ensure every nook and cranny is spotless. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, as these areas are often the focal points for buyers.

3. Repair and Update: Address any visible repairs or maintenance issues. Replace broken fixtures, touch up paint, and fix leaky faucets. Consider minor or major updates like painting, replacing carpet and dark tile flooring. Replacing outdated light fixtures or cabinet hardware for a fresh look also helps.

4. Furniture Arrangement: Arrange furniture to maximize space and flow. Create a sense of openness by avoiding overcrowding and leaving clear pathways. Rearrange furniture to showcase the potential functionality of each room.

5. Neutral Color Palette: Neutral colors on walls and furniture can help potential buyers visualize their own decor in the space. A fresh coat of neutral paint can go a long way in making your home feel move-in ready.

“I am seeing prospective buyers looking for move-in ready homes,” said Lisa Little, DS Elite member and agent with Compass Real Estate. “This is likely due to the market’s pace and inventory available so I recommend my clients do all they can to make their homes move-in ready.”

“If sellers have outdated paint or flooring, I usually recommend painting the walls a light fresh color like white and replacing the carpet or flooring with a wood-looking luxury vinyl plank. Any money spent on painting and flooring, they will recoup with a higher sales price and it will also help their home sell faster and for more money,” added Alexia Dauterive, DS Elite Board Member and agent with Austin Portfolio Real Estate.

“I often get the question from sellers: ”Can we just sell it ‘as is’ and not do anything? We’re tired and don’t feel like doing anything to it.” My response: “Just like you don’t want a project to do, neither do buyers. There are too many homes on the market to choose from, so they’ll move on to the next house and pass yours up. You’ll be frustrated that your home isn’t selling and you will have wished that you took the time to update it.”

The Importance of Curb Appeal:

1. Landscaping: A well-maintained garden and lawn can greatly enhance your home's curb appeal. Trim bushes, mow the lawn, plant colorful flowers, and add fresh mulch to create an inviting outdoor space.

2. Exterior Repairs: Just like the interior, address any exterior repairs or maintenance needs. Ensure that the roof, siding, and windows are in good condition. A well-maintained exterior conveys that your home has been cared for.

3. Welcoming Entrance: Your front door is the focal point of your home's exterior. Consider giving it a fresh coat of paint or replacing it if needed. Add a welcoming doormat and some potted plants to make the entrance inviting.

4. Lighting: Adequate outdoor lighting not only enhances security but also adds an aesthetic touch. Consider adding or updating outdoor light fixtures to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially for evening showings.

5. Tidy Up: Keep the exterior of your home clean and free from clutter. Remove any debris, toys, or personal items from the front yard and porch to create a clean and organized look. And don’t forget to powerwash your porches and driveway!

“Preparing your home for selling involves a combination of staging the interior to showcase its potential and enhancing its curb appeal to make a great first impression,” Alexia said. “It usually always includes power-washing, mulching and planting new plants or flowers. These efforts can go a long way in attracting potential buyers and increasing the chances of a successful sale.”

A well-presented home not only stands out in the market but also allows buyers to envision themselves living there, making it more likely that they will choose your home as their own.

About Dripping Springs Elite Real Estate Professionals

Dripping Springs Elite is NOT a brokerage. We are a professional organization of top real estate agents in the Dripping Springs area from different brokerages who collaborate and work together to make buying and selling the best it can be for our clients. DS Elite is also dedicated to building our community and its nonprofits to strengthen the quality of life for all residents. Contact any one of our agents today!