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Preparing To Sell Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Selling your home can be an exciting yet challenging process. To ensure a successful sale, here's our step-by-step guide to prepare your home, attract potential buyers, get the highest possible price for the current market, and sell in the shortest amount of time so you can move forward to your next chapter!

Create a clean and neutral canvas that allows buyers to envision themselves living in the space

Feeling overwhelmed? Our best tip is to start packing! Think about what you and your family will need for the next 60 days. Most everything else can be boxed and stacked neatly in your garage or storage unit. We're happy to walk through your home with you room by room and help you create a list of priorities. If you have children, involve them too! Get the whole family on board and excited about why you're doing this ... help them look forward with you to the next exciting chapter.


Step 2: Deep Clean

A clean home leaves a lasting impression! Pay attention to every nook and cranny, from baseboards to ceiling corners, to AC vents. We know how busy you are and we're happy to recommend professional cleaners who can tackle the toughest of spots and make your home shine!


Step 3: Minor Repairs

Replace burnt-out light bulbs, repair leaky faucets, fix loose door handles, and touch up any chipped paint. These small repairs help demonstrate the care and maintenance you have put into your home. If you have questions about any other repairs (will having this done increase our home's value, etc.), we can go over all of those as we walk through your home!


Step 4: Highlight Curb Appeal

Create a positive first impression by enhancing your home's curb appeal. Trim hedges, mow the lawn, clean walkways, and add colorful flowers or potted plants. Power wash if necessary.' A well-kept exterior encourages potential buyers to step inside and explore further.


Step 5: Staging

Consider staging your home to showcase its full potential. Rearranging furniture, removing unnecessary items, and adding tasteful decor can make a significant impact. We include staging advice with every listing!


Step 6: Enhance Natural Light

Bright well-lit spaces are more appealing to buyers. Remove heavy curtains, trim overgrown foliage blocking windows, and position mirrors strategically to reflect natural light. Additionally, ensure all light fixtures are working correctly, providing an inviting atmosphere throughout the home.


Step 7: Tackle Odors

Deep clean carpets, upholstered furniture, and wood floors! Use air fresheners (we can recommend the most popular scents) or consider baking cookies or bread before showings to create a pleasant aroma.


Step 8: Highlight Unique Features

Identify and showcase the unique features of your home. Whether it's a cozy fireplace, a stunning view, or an updated kitchen, we will talk about all of these and highlight them in our marketing!


Step 9: Professional Photography and Marketing


When we list your home, we use only professional photographers who are trained to highlight your home's best features. Quality images will make your listing stand out online and attract more potential buyers. And ... with your help (letting us know what you like best about your home), we will create a captivating description and a compelling online presence.


Step 10: When you work with us ... you're Collaborating with Top-Performing Real Estate Agents.

Choosing Ruth Story & The Story Group connects you with 20+ years of experience and someone who understands your market has a comprehensive marketing strategy, and prioritizes excellent customer service. We will guide you through the entire selling process and negotiate, advocate, and advise you from listing preparation, all the way to the closing table!

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