Home For Sale: Are you ready for Spring?
25 Point Checklist
By Barbara Schmidt, studiobstyle, inc.
Actual Home For Sale with griegergroup.com Minnesota’s Lake Minnetonka Premier Real Estate Group. This spectacular home has direct access to some of the most beautiful lakeshore in the country.
One of our projects this quarter is to get a client’s home ready for sale this spring. We are working on every aspect of staging to curb appeal to repair. So many things can be overlooked, so here is our path to a successful sale this spring:
This lovely ceiling detail is part of was a custom designed thenewoldhouseco.com Photo credit: Tim Nehotte Photo; Interior Designer Barbara Schmidt, studiobstyle.com
Look Up
We walked around the entire home looking at the ceilings. We found several items that needed some attention.
The dreaded popcorn ceiling. We found one across the entire basement entertainment area. It had to go.
Update yellow can lights. You may not notice until the bright white ceiling is finished, but at least paint you can light trims or replace them.
Oh no, a water spot. We found one in the lower level recreational room. This was an old stain that happened before the current owner took over the property. It needed to be investigated by a plumber and repaired.
Skylight replacement and repaint. Thoroughly check your skylights because this can stop inspection and a sale right in its tracks. We replaced the kitchen skylights and repainted.
Photo credit: Michael Haug Photography; Interior Designer Barbara Schmidt, studobstyle.com
Walls Can Talk
Make it easy for the new buyer to see themselves in your home. It’s not just the clutter, it’s the depersonalization of the spaces.
5. Takedown all the artwork and personal memorabilia in every room in the home. Pack it up and remove it. We took down mobiles, photos, paintings, and a few knick-knacks.
6. Replace dated backsplashes. The pink and green floral ceramic has to go. We are updating with a herringbone marble mosaic. It’s classic and white.
7. Every wall is getting painted white--Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore. It’s my go-to for a white that is truly neutral. Make sure to spackle every hole before you paint.
8. Touch up all the trim. Mr. Eraser works for smudges, but some areas will need filler and paint.
9. Check all your wall outlets to see if they are updated to the grounded three-prong style and make sure they are secure. We found several loose wall sockets that needed new covers as well.
Photo Credit: Tim Nehotte Photo; Interior Designer Barbara Schmidt, studiostyle.com
Kitchen Connection
The number one room in the home that will sell the property is the kitchen, so pay a lot of attention to every detail here.
10. Remove all old pots, pans, dish ware, and small appliances that are not in daily use. Declutter every cabinet, drawer, and shelf.
11. Clean out the refrigerator and freezer. Buyers will inspect every single nook and cranny.
12. Repair all sagging cabinet doors and replace broken or missing hardware. I had to find matching hardware that was gold and glass. I found it, but it wasn’t easy. Everything should be repaired and in working order.
13. Repair countertops and dings on cabinetry. Everything should have a “Like New” look and feel.
Acquerello Florence Field Tile Floor jeffreycourt.com; Photo Credit Tim Nehotte Photo; Barbara Schmidt, studiobstyle.com @bluedot
More Floor
The idea here is not to give the new buyer any initial major repairs or replacement with flooring.
14. Remove all old rugs.
15. Use scratch cover to blend out small imperfections in wood flooring. Major damage may need patch and replacement.
16. Clean or replace all carpeting. This is a must, along with fresh paint.
17. Replace broken tile. We had a few broken pieces in the lower level and replaced them.
Photo courtesy of Marvin.com; Interior Designer Barbara Schmidt, studiobstyle.com @bakerfurniture @mcguirefurniture
Staging Your Scene
Every single home needs staging. Why? Because the minute you start using furniture it tires quickly. Buyers expect the entire home to be staged from new bedding to new linens to new towels.
18. Add new seating areas to your space that keeps the natural flow open.
19. Refresh your bedding in every room and don’t forget to bring in new pillows that are fluffy and full. Make sure to empty any closets of old linens, towels, wardrobe, etc. Empty closets appear larger.
20. Set your dining room table for an inviting gathering.
21. Bring fresh plants in to help warm the space.
Photo credit: Tim Nehotte Photo; Interior Designer Barbara Schmidt, studiostyle.com @hunterdouglas
Curb Appeal
Now that we’ve reworked the entire inside of the home we are moving to the garage and exterior.
22. Clear out the entire garage and give the floor a coat of paint.
23. Repair, power wash and paint trim, decking, and siding. Double check door and window thresholds for leaves and cobwebs.
24. Replace any tarnished or old looking exterior lighting, planters, and outdoor seating.
25. Refresh your front yard landscaping and planter pots.