Details Make The Difference

A Convenient Checklist | Preparing a Home for Sale Excerpt from Debbi DiMaggio Blog

Real estate has many aspects. One of my favorites is when a seller surrenders their home to my team and me so we can take their home from “lived in” to “staged to sell.” As a professional Realtor, it is one of the services I provide. However, if you wish to do it yourself, here is a brief recap of what I recommend.

Planning, I begin with a walk-through, assessing the property and home with a keen eye. Here are the things I scrutinize: curb appeal, gardens, walkways, light fixtures, paint, floors, carpet, appliances, hardware, rooms and bathrooms, fireplace(s), electrical, furnace, the basement, and, finally, the foundation. I inquire about systems that are not easily seen like the roof and the sewer lateral. I take it all in, commit to memory, and visualize a plan. Window washing, a detailed cleaning, and staging are the finishing touches after we complete the mini, or not so mini, makeover.

Transformation: A commitment from the homeowner and attention to detail are critical, as there are many moving parts and lots to coordinate. Typically, this entails removing clutter, exchanging old furniture for new, and adding beautiful accessories. There are many talented stagers and designers who are wonderful to work with during this process. I’ve also been known to make a dozen trips to various supply stores to find just the right appliances, fixtures or hardware for a client. By partnering with myself and our wonderful service providers, we are able to create a flawless transition. From “lived in” to “staged to sell”, the transformation is exciting each and every time. The Risk: Clients love their home so much that sometimes they want to stay!