Getting ready to sell your home? There’s more to it than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. From boosting curb appeal and getting professional photos to maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for buyers, there are plenty of checklist items. Check out some of our tips and tricks for successful marketing and home sales.
Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal
Luckily, Southwest Colorado’s stunning landscapes can make enhancing your home’s curb appeal as easy as highlighting the natural scenery and views. Simple yard work - such as raking, trimming, adding simple decor, or touching up the fence paint - can have a noticeable impact on a buyer’s first impression. Since our area experiences four distinct seasons, the best tasks to focus on will depend on when you plan to list.
We are often asked whether renovations or improvements are worth the investment before selling, and the answer varies from case by case. While a full home renovation or even updating a single room can add value, not all upgrades provide a strong return. In many cases, adjusting the asking price may be more practical than investing in costly renovations. Our team can help you identify and prioritize the most valuable projects to complete before listing.
Organize, Clean, and Stage
Organizing and cleaning not only make your home more inviting for buyers but also give you a jumpstart on packing for your upcoming move. Begin by sorting through and packing away personal items you don’t use often, seasonal decor, and anything that adds unnecessary clutter. For our local clients, The Wells Group offers two moving vans to make the process easier. Once those items are in storage, a thorough deep clean ensures that first impressions, both in listing photos and in-person tours, allow buyers to focus on the home itself and rather than any surface-level dust and dirt. Be sure to clean areas that are often overlooked, such as windows and window tracks, inside cabinets, light fixtures, switches, and baseboards.
Staging varies depending on the situation. If you’re moving out before selling, staging the main living areas (living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom/bath) helps buyers envision the space. If the home will be occupied until closing, decluttering, depersonalizing, and incorporating a few key staging elements can have a similar effect. Ideally, this should be completed before professional photos or a 3D tour is taken.
Pre-Inspection & Replacement Estimates
A pre-inspection is a seller-initiated home inspection typically conducted before listing the property. This proactive approach helps identify and address potential issues early in the process, reducing the risk of unexpected obstacles that could complicate negotiations. It can also give buyers more confidence and potentially lead to a stronger offer. By streamlining the selling process and enhancing marketability, a pre-inspection can ultimately save time, stress, and money - making it a worthwhile investment despite the upfront cost.
Tips for Showings
Once your home is listed, preparing for showings is key. If the home is vacant, showings are simple and typically easy to accommodate. However, if you are still living in the home, here are a few of our recommendations:
Cleaning & Personal Items
After deep cleaning and organizing, maintaining that tidiness ensures you’re always prepared for showings without the last-minute scramble. Focus on high-traffic areas such as the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms, as these spaces tend to collect clutter and dirt quickly. Small tasks like putting things away, making beds, straightening pillows, and wiping down the counters make a big difference. Additionally, be sure to store personal items such as medications, jewelry, valuables, and firearms in a secure location to protect your privacy and belongings.
Pets & Sniff Test
Even if your pets are part of the family, not all potential buyers will share the same enthusiasm, and some may have allergies. To create a welcoming space for everyone, consider removing pet hair, toys, litter boxes, and other pet related items. The “sniff test” applies whether you have pets or not. Having carpets professionally cleaned, washing drapes and other upholstered items, and opening the windows for fresh air will help eliminate lingering odors. While classic go-to solutions like candles, potpourri, or essential oils can add a pleasant touch, use them sparingly. Strong scents can be overwhelming, off-putting, or even make buyers wonder if you’re trying to cover something up. Essential oils diffuser tend to be the least obtrusive.
Leave the Premise
While it may be tempting to stay and offer insights about the home, it’s best to step out and let your RealtorⓇ and/or the buyer’s RealtorⓇ handle the showing. This allows buyers to discuss their thoughts openly and not feel pressured while taking a tour. There are always exceptions and you’ll want to discuss your showing plan with your RealtorⓇ before your home is listed to determine the best solution for your needs.
Selling your home can feel overwhelming, but The Durango Team at The Wells Group is here to guide you through the process. We provide full-time real estate services, including all of the above and much more. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about selling your home in Durango, CO.
