Often sellers think they have to have their house in perfect shape in order to have their home for sale. Usually, it just needs a refresh, not a major overhaul. Blame all those HGTV shows! If it does need a major overhaul, you could probably find an investor happy to take that on.

In Pueblo Colorado, there’s a buyer for every kind of house, whether it’s $100,000 or 1 million. That’s what makes this market fun. No same old cookie cutter neighborhoods here.

Here’s five things to do to prepare your home for sale:

1. Walk around your house and check for anything that needs a quick repair or tightening. Does your stair banister need a few turns on the bolt to make it tighter? Is there a cracked window that needs replacing. Is there a major appliance like a dishwasher that no longer works? Any major work or renovation can be kept on the back burner. Major expensive improvements can wait for the inspection process to see what is important to the buyer.
2. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to a space! Pick a light neutral color and paint all your walls the same color. This will help your space appear bigger and more cohesive. Plus, this can help with any lingering smells that are stuck on that sheetrock.
3. Pay attention to floors. Have carpets professionally cleaned and make sure all the rest of your floors look sparkly clean. If you have tile grout that could use a scrubbing, now’s the time to make it shine. Any curling linoleum, it may need to be replaced. Unless there are major stains on your carpet, I would clean it and wait to see if the buyers ask for it to be replaced. Sometimes they care and sometimes they don’t. No use wasting money if they don’t.
4. Bring some curb appeal. This is the first of first impressions for a potential buyer. If it’s the right season, plant some colorful flowers. Put some color and greenery on your porch. I also like a wreath on the door. It just looks so welcoming. Make sure the porch and walkways are clear of debris and leaves.
5. Set aside a single area for where your boxes will go. We don’t want moving boxes hanging out in every room. I like to suggest a garage or basement. Remember to pack anything you won’t be using in the next 3 months and label boxes well in case you do need something already packed.

There you have it! Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t have to be overwhelming or exhausting. For major items, wait to see what is important to the buyer whose offer you have accepted. No need to spend a whole bunch of time or money it it isn’t important to them.

If you aren’t sure what to do, reach out. I’d be happy to help you decide!