Selling a House in Blue Springs, MO: 10 Things to Do Before You List

You probably don't need to spend $40,000 remodeling your house before selling it.

You may need to spend $600 in the right places.

That's an important distinction.

I've walked through thousands of homes during my real estate career, and sellers routinely worry about projects buyers won't care nearly as much about as they think.

Before you call a contractor, start here.

1. Get the Price Opinion Before Doing the Work

This sounds backward, but it can save you money.

Have an experienced local agent walk through the property before you start remodeling.

If replacing a countertop costs $5,000 but isn't likely to change your selling range, I would rather see you keep the $5,000.

Spend where buyers will notice.

2. Declutter

You're moving anyway.

Start packing.

Kitchen counters shouldn't disappear under appliances.

Bathroom counters should have breathing room.

Closets don't have to be empty, but buyers will open them.

The goal isn't to make your house look unlived in.

It's to make the rooms easy to understand.

3. Fix the Little Broken Things

That loose doorknob you've ignored for four years?

Fix it.

Same for the dripping faucet, missing outlet cover and closet door that came off its track.

Buyers add these things up mentally.

Ten little unfinished items can make a well-maintained home feel neglected.

4. Touch Up Paint Strategically

You may not need to repaint the entire house.

Focus on damaged, dirty, dark or highly personalized areas.

A buyer can understand that your bright red office is "just paint."

But they're still standing there thinking about painting it.

Remove unnecessary objections.

5. Clean More Than You Think You Need To

Baseboards.

Light switches.

Doors around the handles.

Cabinet fronts.

Windows.

Showers.

Appliances.

People associate cleanliness with maintenance.

A clean 20-year-old kitchen can show better than a newer kitchen that looks neglected.

6. Pay Attention to the Front Door

The buyer's first few minutes matter.

While the agent is opening the lockbox, the buyer is standing on your porch.

They're looking around.

Sweep it.

Clean the door.

Remove dead plants.

Make sure the light works.

You don't need an HGTV makeover.

You need the entrance to say, "This home has been cared for."

7. Let the Rooms Make Sense

If the dining room became a storage room, turn it back into a dining room.

If a bedroom has become the household dumping ground, reclaim it.

Buyers have imaginations, but don't make them work harder than necessary.

8. Don't Hide Problems

If you know about a significant issue, talk to your agent about it.

Trying to hide something can create much bigger trouble later.

There may be a smart way to repair it, disclose it or price around it.

Deal with facts early.

9. Think About Your Online Showing

Most buyers will see your house online before they see it in person.

That makes photography, video, floor plans and digital marketing important.

Professional presentation isn't a luxury when you're selling one of your largest assets.

The first showing often happens on a phone.

10. Price for the Market You're Entering

The house that sold six months ago matters.

The three houses listed against you today matter too.

Pricing should consider recent sales, current competition, condition and buyer behavior.

And your strategy may be different at $299,000 than it is at $699,000.

Spend Where It Counts

Preparing a house for sale should be a return-on-investment exercise.

I don't want my sellers spending $15,000 simply because someone told them every house needs a new kitchen.

Sometimes it needs one.

Sometimes it needs $200 worth of touch-up paint, a deep cleaning and better furniture placement.

Before you spend the money, let's figure out which situation you're in.

If you're considering selling in Blue Springs, message “HOME.” I'll help you decide what is worth doing—and what you can leave alone.