by Phil Hotle

CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER:

In a staged home you will never see a stack of unread magazines or a cluster of mail on the table. Keep your home as neat as possible by reducing clutter on shelves and surfaces. Put away items that are regularly on your kitchen counter or in the sink and pack away the family photos that gather dust.

INTERVIEW REAL ESTATE AGENTS:

Your choice of a listing agent will make a big difference in how quickly your home sells, so interview several agents. See who has the right experience with similar homes in your area. A real estate agent with a great marketing plan and deep local knowledge is extremely important as you sell and buy!

START PACKING:

You will eventually need to do this anyway, so get organized now. Boxing up items will make your space look larger and neater when it’s time to show your home. Figure out if you need to rent a storage facility while your home is on the market.

IMPROVE YOUR HOME:

A major renovation isn’t necessary, but you can make minor improvements to refresh your home. Replace bad caulk in bathrooms, update old ceiling fans and light fixtures, or change switch plates and doorknobs for a clean and neat appearance. Consider painting your front door or touching up the trim.

If you spend the winter months preparing for the spring market, you will be ready to move quickly when buyers come out of hibernation and new houses come on the market!