Prepping Before & After's - How to Sell Your Home for the Most Money

There are many moving parts in a real estate transaction - Prepping a property, marketing the property, securing a contract, and contract to close - Each of these steps are extremely important and  like stair steps, they build on one another -if each step is not handled correctly, it makes getting to the next one a bit of a leap. 

Prepping a property is the foundation for maximizing profits. We all have our own personal taste and decor needs but it is important to take the "personal" out of a property when selling. Please speak to your Realtor before making any modifications! Realtors have their finger on the pulse of what buyers in your area are looking for and can help you make choices that will have the highest return on investment.

Before and After Property Prep

1. PAINT

It seems so simple, but new paint is the number one way to increase your home's value. It is also one of the cheapest changes you can make. The above living room is in a house that has 8 foot ceilings. Dark colors, in a room with ceilings lower than 9 feet, visually reduces the ceiling height. Painting the ceiling a very pale blue paired with white or cream walls, visually raises the ceiling height.

Paint improves more than just interiors - Don't forget the street appeal! Exteriors are a great place for those dark colors!

2. DE-CLUTTER

Let's face it, life happens and most of us do not live in a magazine spread. However, since HGTV, Houzz and Pinterest entered our lives, buyers expect properties that look like they came out of Elle Decor. 

3. REMOVE OUTDATED WALLPAPER

While wallpaper has made comeback, it still remains very personal. So if it looks like you maxed out your credit card at Laura Ashley, you should probably make a change. 

Wallpaper in living areas is much less "buyer friendly" than putting it in a powder room or foyer. Painted walls in living areas sell best!

$. EDIT - Some things just don't belong

The bookshelves in the 'before' picture were not easily accessible and not balanced, since they appeared to hang in mid-air. The room took on a grand appearance once they were removed.

The mantle in the 'before' shot seem to overtake the small room. We removed it, and created a shiplap accent wall. This simple change made the space appear larger. Editing is often necessary when prepping a home for sale.

4. STAGE

  

Some people feel that staging is disingenuous, since you are buying a house not it's contents -so what should the contents matter. But that is a lot like going on a blind date wearing your pajamas. 

Remember, this is not personal! It is a business transaction. Properly prepping your home makes it sell faster and for more $$$$.