Today I developed my Home Sale Preparation Report for a seller. It details room-by-room my suggestions for preparing a home to go on the market. I organize home sale preparation into 3 phases.
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1. Repair & Clean – This phase involves making any repairs so that all parts of the home function correctly and appear unblemished. Examples include: completion of in-progress projects, repair of damaged surfaces, repair of malfunctioning fixtures (e.g. doors, windows, and appliances), carpet cleaning and window washing.
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2. Stage – This phase involves rearranging, adding, and/or removing personal items outside and within the home to help buyers visualize themselves living in the home. Staging also helps highlight key architectural features and maximize the perceived space. Examples include: removing furniture that makes a room look smaller, removing clutter such as magnets on a refrigerator, and rearranging furniture to draw the buyer’s attention to a room’s focal point.
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3. Show – This phase involves maintaining the home’s staged appearance until the home is off the market. Examples include: place settings on a dining table when it isn’t being used, making sure all light bulbs are functioning, and displaying fresh flowers to add color.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fran Bailey shows, previews and tracks downtown Chicago homes for sale giving her the insights needed to help her clients negotiate the best price and terms. Fran has been quoted in numerous Chicago and national publications. To schedule showings of listings regardless of broker or to contact Fran email her at fran.bailey@bairdwarner.com or call 773.793.4516. Learn More
Fran Bailey, Realtor
