Klug Properties Best Practices: Prepping Your Home to List

Selling your home can be a tricky endeavor. It is likely your home is one of the most sentimental and meaningful parts of your life. It’s where memories are created, families are started, and life blossoms. This can prove challenging when preparing to list your home, because what your home means to you might not be of significance to buyers. Preparing your home for sale demands a strategic and unemotional approach. To guide you through this process, we've distilled essential steps based on market expertise and buyer behavior we’ve witnessed in recent years.

Purge, Pack, and Store

Initiate the preparation by decluttering and packing strategically. Identify items for donation, disposal, or sale. Take inventory and label every box, emphasizing organization. Pack a suitcase with essential items for convenience. Effective packing not only streamlines the moving process but also signals meticulous care for possessions, influencing potential buyers.

Declutter, Depersonalize, and Deep Clean

Create a neutral and inviting atmosphere by decluttering, depersonalizing, and deep cleaning. Clearing space allows buyers to visualize their lives in your home. Declutter strategically, using decorative boxes or renting a storage unit for items you want to keep. Depersonalize further by removing family photos and unique furniture. A thorough deep clean enhances the perception of a well-maintained property, leaving a lasting impression on potential buyers.

Connect with a Local, Experienced, Full-Time Broker

The Aspen Snowmass market is an extremely nuanced one. Price per square foot tells a fraction of each home’s story. The right broker can tell that story by speaking to the local market, highlighting features of the property that aren’t obvious to less experienced brokers, and leverage connections with not only existing buyers, but also vendors such as stagers, landscapers, and inspectors to ensure a smooth closing process. Engage a top real estate broker like Chris Klug early in the process. Data shows that the top 5% of agents yield up to 10% higher sales prices.

Boost Your Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. Enhance curb appeal by clearing debris, mowing the lawn, and investing in landscaping. Effective landscaping adds an average of +5% to your sale price, delivering an average of 112% return on investment. Attend to exterior issues like faded paint or wood rot promptly to make a positive impact on potential buyers.

Complete Needed Repairs

Address visible damages to avoid red flags for buyers. Attend to critical issues such as plumbing, electrical problems, or foundation concerns. Consider a pre-listing home inspection to preempt appraisal-related repairs. Ensuring your home is in top condition eliminates bargaining chips and reinforces buyer confidence.

Focus on High-ROI Upgrades

Strategically invest in upgrades with a high return on investment. Kitchen remodels and energy-efficient features appeal to buyers. DIY projects, if feasible, can increase home value cost-effectively. Prioritize upgrades that resonate with current market trends. Again, the right broker can guide your hand as to what upgrades are effective in the current market.

Stage Your Home

Expert staging can elevate your home's appeal, potentially increasing the sale price by 18%. Consider professional staging to showcase your property effectively. Well-staged homes often outperform their unstaged counterparts.

Put Your Home's Best Foot Forward

With a top agent and a well-executed plan, successfully navigate the home-selling process. Conduct thorough research, gather the right supplies, and take your time. If needed, enlist professional assistance for a seamless transition to the next chapter of your life.