Preparing Your House for a Summer Sale

What You Need to Know for Preparing Your Home for a Summer Sale

Your Summit County home is likely one of your most valuable assets and most beloved material possessions. If now is the time to sell, you understandably want to maximize your investment to its fullest potential. In our current seller’s market, you might think you don’t need to do anything to help your property sell, but pre-sale preparation can help your home stand out from the competition, shorten time on the market, increase the sale price and avoid problems after the property goes under contract.   

The First Impression is Key

1.       Maximize curb appealIn summer, add colorful potted flowers and hanging basketsPull weeds and trim branches. Remove dead brush. Put away yard décor, yard tools and outdoor toys. Clean gutters. Power wash sidewalks, porches, driveways and patios. In winter, keep sidewalks and patios shoveled and driveways plowed so that potential buyers can easily come and go.  

2.       Make the front door inviting: Buy a new welcome mat. Add fresh paint or stain to the front door. Seal cracks in the front door and consider replacing if weathering is severe. New house numbers and a new porch light are inexpensive ways to freshen up the entrance to your home. 

Simple Ways to Make a Big Impact for a Potential Buyer

1.       StagingThe arrangement of furniture can be critical to show off the best features of your home and is an inexpensive fix. Remember that less is more. Removing furniture clears pathways and can make rooms appear more spacious.  

2.       OrganizePurge and reorganize closets and cabinetsThis might mean placing some items in storage so potential buyers can get a true sense of closet size.   

3.       Paint: New paint can make a place feel new and set the mood. Choose neutral colors, even for accent walls. Touch up scuff marks. 

4.       FunctionHot tubs, windows, fixtures etc. should all be in working order. Tighten loose handles (buyers will open everything). Replace all burnt out bulbs (replace with LED which have more lumens)Make sure everything is in good working order and has been recently serviced.  

5.       Pay attention to details: If you never got around to a kitchen or bathroom makeover, replacing small items such as hardware, outlet and switch plate covers or light fixtures are inexpensive ways to make a room feel new. 

6.       De-personalize: Photos and mementos should be cleared from shelves, the refrigerator and mantle.  

7.       Declutter: Countertops and other flat surfaces such as nightstands and end tables should be cleared. Keep toiletries, laundry, mail, shoes and jackets put away.  

8.       Deep cleanHave carpets, rugs, upholstery and bedding professionally cleaned- even if you plan to take some of those items with you. Pay extra attention to making sure that tiles, counters, showers and floors are sparkling clean. 

9.       Showcase natural lighting: Have windows professionally cleaned (always important after pollen season), remove heavy drapes and trim trees that block lighting.  

10.    Pest control: Mice and spiders seem to be the primary culprits in Summit County. Mitigation is essential for a home that spends any time unoccupied.  

11.    Cool it off:  If your home has upper stories that tend to feel stuffy or a little too warm during summer afternoons, a ceiling fan that can be flipped on along with the lights is worth considering. Make sure all fans in the home are on the summer setting of a counter-clockwise turn.  

12.    Unbiased smell test: Recruit someone who is not usually in the home to help detect any pet smells or lingering unsavory scents. Use plug-ins sparingly so that buyers won’t think you are trying to mask unpleasant odors.  

13.    Create a beautiful outdoor space: Help buyers see themselves making the most of their relaxation time. New cushions on the patio furniture, pots with bright blooms and a fire pit will inspire scenes of serenity 

14.    DocumentationGather the survey, well and septic permits, HOA documents, photos from various seasons, rental figures, bus routes and warranties for new appliances or the roof. If there have been major improvements or additions, provide documentation for those as well. 

For even more information, see Furniture & FurnishingsAll the World's a Stage and Old House- Young Buyers? from our blog.

Many homeowners wait until the end of ski season to list their property for sale making the upcoming months of May-August the busiest time of the year for real estate transactionsOur agents assist buyers and sellers all over Breckenridge and Summit County all year round. Give us a call or email today. We are here to assist you in buying or selling your mountain home.  

Posted by Breckenridge Associates Real Estate on

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