How I Helped Friends Prep Their Home for Market: A Real Pre-Listing Walkthrough
Recently, a friend of a friend reached out to me knowing I was visiting Seattle. They were in the early stages of getting their home ready to sell and had not yet met with the real estate agent I referred them to. They wanted an unbiased opinion on what needed to be done to prepare the home for the market. So I paid them a visit, and this blog will walk you through what I saw and the recommendations I made.
First Impressions Start at the Curb
Before even ringing the doorbell, I stood across the street to take in the exterior of the home. Curb appeal is powerful. It is the first impression buyers get, and it can either invite them in or turn them off. The house itself was a two-story colonial built in 2020 by a national builder. The first thing I noticed was the lawn. It was overgrown and likely had not been cut in 10 days or more. That was the first thing I noted to get their home ready to sell: get the lawn trimmed and set up for regular maintenance.
The second thing I observed were the cedar pillars on the front porch. The wood stain had faded, which dulled the charm of the otherwise beautiful entry. Staining those cedar pillars was the next item on my list. The front porch had good bones and included a pair of iron chairs, which added charm. It simply needed a bit of stain.
Reimagining the Living Room
As I entered the home, I stepped into the living room that they had converted into a study. While that made sense during the pandemic, it felt awkward now because a chandelier still hung in the middle of the space. I recommended they return it to a living room setup using furniture they already had. Since the space was open to the entryway, it would make a better first impression on buyers.
Touch-Ups and Repairs Throughout the Main Floor
As I continued the walk-through, I noticed the wear and tear common in family homes. The walls below waist level and trim throughout the main floor had visible scuffs, scratches, and marks likely from their kids and two dogs. A thorough touch-up paint job was in order to get their hoe ready.
In the kitchen, one cabinet drawer was peeling, likely the result of heavy use. The caulk between the backsplash and countertop had become discolored in some areas. I recommended they repaint the cabinet face and refresh the caulk for a cleaner, more uniform appearance.
Spotlighting the Money Shot: The Screened Porch
We then walked outside to a beautiful screened-in porch. It was well-built, heated, and could be used for up to 10 months of the year in Seattle. This, I told them, was their money shot. It is the feature that will most likely sell the house. It would become a focal point of their listing photos and marketing materials.
Beyond the porch was a patio with a fire pit and a tree-lined yard. While the trees were lovely, overgrown branches made the yard feel smaller. I suggested trimming the branches to open up the space and show off the full yard.
Touring the Upstairs
Upstairs, there were four bedrooms and a spacious primary suite. The primary suite included hardwood floors and a bathroom with a nice shower. However, the shower grout and caulking were discolored. That would need to be redone to make the bathroom shine.
We also discussed their washer and dryer. Since it was a high-end set, they were hoping to take it with them. I advised they talk to their real estate agent about the local norms and whether buyers would expect those appliances to be included.
The Basement: A Project in Progress
Then we headed to the basement. This was clearly the kids’ domain. There was significant wear on the walls and even the ceiling. I recommended repainting the entire space to get the house ready to sell. On the plus side, they had a great gym setup and a large unfinished room with an egress window and plumbing for a future bathroom. That room could easily be finished into a bedroom, adding future value.
Final Recommendations
My final checklist for them to get their home ready to sell included:
- Decluttering the entire home
- Touch-up painting throughout the house
- Caulking in bathrooms and kitchen
- Cleaning all windows inside and out
- Hiring a professional cleaner for the entire house
- Lawn mowing and general exterior maintenance
- Restaining the front porch pillars
These updates were mostly minor but would make a significant impact. The house already had great bones and layout. With a little polish, it would be ready to sell.
If you are preparing to sell and want help getting your home market-ready, I recommend reading 5 Mistakes Sellers Regret (and How to Avoid Them) and I am happy to connect you with a trusted real estate agent in your area who can guide you through the process with expert advice.
