Reston Real Estate: Small Steps Can Speed Sale

This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.

The spring market is here. This is the time of year when the most listings hit the market, so it is important to make sure your home is is top shape to sell quickly and for the best price.

I have covered some of the basics in this column before, but perhaps your home was not for sale back then. Here are some of my favorite (and proven) ways to shine in a competitive market.

Pretty On the Outside — Looks matter, and that begins outdoors. Take a good look at what is going on and make a list of little things that can give you the edge. Among them: clean gutters, plant fresh annuals, upgrade your front door hardware and repair rotting wood. Here are some more curb appeal tips.

Clean On The Inside — I mean white-glove level cleaning. Gleaming grout kind of cleaning. If things won’t get clean, it is time to get serious. Perhaps the tub grout should be replaced or the kitchen painted. A super clean and orderly home says “I have been well maintained.” A clean house reduces buyer anxiety.

Speaking of Painting — Fifty percent of homes I see are freshly painted. Showing a home is different than living in a home, so a nice, new neutral look will reach the most prospective buyers. This is one of the best things you can do to give your house a fresh, updated and ready-to-sell look.

Bust Clutter — Reduce the “stuff” in your closets by half. Temporarily rent a storage locker if necessary. Even better, have a neutral party come over and help you go through the “save, donate, trash” process. This will help you emotionally detach from some of the things you are saving and get you to realize you might not miss them when you move to your new home.

For more tips on getting your home ready, see this previous column on Reston Now. Visit Reston Real Estate for complete listing and other real estate information.