Preparing Your Home for a Successful Sale: A 30-Day Plan
Day 1: Illuminate Your Space
The right lighting can transform your home's appearance. Start by replacing burnt-out light bulbs and updating outdated fixtures (we love daylight light bulbs!).
Visit your local home improvement store for modern fixtures to brighten up your space.
Day 2: Gather Important Documents
Prospective buyers and agents will have questions, so get your paperwork in order. Collect utility bills, tax documents, renovation details, warranties, mortgage information, surveys, and rental contracts.
Day 3: Spare Set of Keys
Make sure buyers and agents have easy access to your home by creating a spare set of keys. Don't forget storage sheds and shops!
Day 4: Packing Supplies and Storage
Invest in proper packing supplies to declutter your space.
Consider renting a storage locker to temporarily store items you won't need during the sale. Often times, the more you declutter, the better your home will show. Don't go too far! Staged homes typically sell for MORE than vacant homes.
Day 5: Revamp Your Bathrooms
Create a spa-like atmosphere by removing personal items and investing in new white towels and affordable accessories. Replace any worn-out items like toilet seats, shower curtains, or bath mats.
Day 6: Declutter the Kitchen
Clear your kitchen counters of appliances and clean inside all the cupboards. Show off the storage space. Clean the fridge and consider adding fresh flowers and a fruit bowl.
Day 7: Revitalize the Bedrooms
Clean and declutter bedrooms, invest in a neutral duvet cover, straighten bookshelves, and remove personal items. Consider adding an area rug for added warmth.
For the kiddos, some toys are okay, however the more floorspace that is visible, the better.Day 8: Refresh the Living Room
Clean your sofa and chairs, add new throw pillows, and consider an area rug to tie the room together (make sure its the proper size). Conceal magazines and wires from electronic devices.
Day 9: Dining Room Makeover
Clear the dining table of clutter, clean the hutch, and consider reupholstering dining chairs or adding a new tablecloth.
Day 10: Garage Organization
Organize and clean the garage or storage area to showcase its potential.
Day 11: Sort Items (Store vs. Donate vs. Throw Away)
Decide which items to store, donate, or throw away. Decluttering will make your space appear more spacious.
Day 12: Entrance Appeal
Create a welcoming entrance by decluttering and organizing. If you lack a hall closet, minimize the number of coats on display.
Day 13: Depersonalize
Remove personal items such as family photos, collections, and souvenirs. Allow buyers to envision themselves in your home.
Day 14: Take a Break
Give yourself a day off to recharge.
Day 15: Fresh Paint
Apply a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors to make your home more appealing. Don't forget baseboards and ceilings. Need a paint recommendations - just give us a call or send a text.
Day 16: Address Repairs
Fix any long-neglected repairs, such as leaky faucets or wall holes. Consider hiring a handyman if needed (we have recommendations, if needed - don't worry, we called all the wrong one's for you!).
Day 17: Window Cleaning
Clean your windows to let in more natural light and improve overall appeal.
Day 18: Enhance Curb Appeal
Make your front yard more inviting by touching up paint, cleaning the front door, and adding seasonal plants and outdoor lighting.
Day 19: Beautify the Backyard
Depending on the season, clean up the garden, trim trees, and maintain outdoor spaces.
Day 20: Carpet Cleaning
Steam clean your carpets to give them a fresh look.
Day 21: Floors Makeover
Ensure your floors are clean and free from scratches.
Day 22: Wall and Door Touch-ups
Remove scuffs and marks from walls and doors. Consider updating art or decorations. In most cases, less is more when it comes to wall art.
Day 23: Final Deep Clean
Perform a thorough cleaning, including baseboards, lights, and appliances. Consider hiring professional cleaners for a pristine result (reach out and we will connect your with fabulous cleaners at a reasonable price).
Day 24: Plan for Kids and Pets
Store away kids' items and make arrangements for pets during showings.
Day 25: Staging Day
Hire a professional stager to enhance your home's appeal with furniture and accessories. Staging not tin the budget? No worries. Our team can help stage your current furntiure and decor to maximize the appeal to buyers.
Day 26: Freshen Up the Air
Eliminate pet odors and keep your home smelling pleasant. Use air fresheners and candles sparingly.
Day 27: Last Check
Inspect your home from top to bottom, ensuring everything is in perfect order.
Day 28: Photography
Schedule a professional photographer to capture your home's beauty, including a 360 tour and video for your listing. Our team always handles this for clients and always calls in the professionals to capture your property at its best.
Day 29: Get Ready for Showings
Review your ad copy and prepare for potential buyers' visits.
Day 30: Final Touch
Stand back and admire your hard work. Resist the urge to make changes at this stage.
Remember, this schedule can be adjusted to suit your needs. By following this plan, you'll present your home in the best possible light and increase your chances of a successful sale. Good luck with your home selling journey!