When you work with Ruckart Real Estate to sell your home, you’re working with a proven game plan that our team has developed from years of experience. This three-part home selling strategy starts with getting your home primped and ready for its moment in the spotlight. We like to call this step “winning the beauty contest.”
First impressions are everything in real estate. That’s why we believe that your most important showing is the day our photographer shows up to take pictures of your home. (And yes, quality professional photographs are non-negotiable when you’re working with us — they make all the difference in the world.) These photos will be posted all over the internet as soon as your listing goes live, and it’s essential that they show your home in its very best light.
Preparing for that first showing can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to invest in a full renovation to prepare your home for market. Even quick, minor tweaks can have a major impact on how your home is perceived by buyers, helping you win the beauty contest and get those offers before other listings.
Ready to make your Richmond home more attractive to buyers? Here are six simple steps to get started.
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Make a strong first impression.
In today’s competitive market, you’re likely to get some drive-bys once your listing goes live — before you even schedule your first showing. Consider the curb appeal of your home, and make sure it looks clean, attractive, and inviting to potential buyers. You may need to pressure wash your siding, wash the windows, replace worn-out screens, or give the front door a fresh coat of paint. Also consider small additions to make your space look welcoming, like seasonal potted plants or a new doormat.
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Clean up your landscaping.
Make sure your lawn and bushes are neatly trimmed, and gardens are weeded and freshly mulched. Keep your landscaping in good shape as long as your listing is live.
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Schedule a professional staging consult.
Time and again we’ve found that staged homes sell more quickly and for more money than unstaged homes, which is why we offer a staging consult to all of our clients. (You can read some of our top staging tips here.) Our stager will walk through your home with you and offer a detailed list of ways to showcase your space in the best possible way. Some common suggestions include painting, updating hardware, and swapping out light fixtures.
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Declutter and depersonalize.
Buyers want to be able to envision themselves in your home, and decluttering and depersonalizing the space is one way to make that easier for them. Our stager will help you pinpoint areas that will benefit from simplifying, from clearing off crowded kitchen counters and messy coat closets to packing up family photos and tchotchkes. Just think of it as getting a head start on your packing.
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Make any needed repairs.
If anything in your home is obviously worn out or broken, now is the time to fix it. A broken railing, a crack in the wall, water-damaged ceilings, broken gutters — any of these things will reflect poorly on the quality of your home, and may make buyers think twice about making an offer.
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Call in the cleaning pros.
We recommend that all of our sellers get their home professionally cleaned before their listing goes live. Our team of cleaners is known for their next-level attention to detail, making your home look, feel, and smell as fresh as it possibly can. From shining up appliances and scrubbing floors to making bathrooms sparkle, professional cleaners possess those tricks of the trade that make all the difference when it comes to getting your home listing-ready.
Ready to take advantage of this incredible seller’s market and get your house out there? Our experienced team is standing by to help! Get in touch with Ruckart Real Estate today to get your Richmond home ready to sell.