Selling-ish: Small Steps for the Sorta-Kinda Ready

Are you: thinking about thinking about…sorta/kinda pondering…giving real consideration to…or have you totally decided to SELL? Now what? In this blog, we’ll explore quick and simple strategies - no matter which stage you find yourself. Whether you’re thinking of selling or simply want your home to feel more comfortable, these small, budget-friendly changes can add value and appeal – even during the contemplation phase. Let’s break down how to get the ball rolling (or boxes packed).

DECLUTTER

You don’t have to tackle the entire house at once. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day -

decluttering your home takes time. Start small and use the ’15-minute rule’. Set a timer and declutter a drawer, a surface, a corner, just one area. See what you can accomplish in those 15 minutes. I bet you’ll be surprised how much you clear away in that short time. Who knows, you might even decide to work a bit longer!

FIVE-MINUTE FIRST IMPRESSION TEST

Ask yourself what you first notice when walking into your home. This is what potential buyers and guests will also likely sense as soon as they enter.

*What do I smell – is my home fresh-smelling?

              *What do I see – are their shoes, bags, pet bowls, toys strewn about?

              *What do I feel – is the lighting warm, bright, inviting?

              *What do I notice – are surfaces and rooms clean, clear, and tidy?

Now ask yourself what simple remedies you can make to ensure your home feels appealing the minute someone walks through your front door. And speaking of front doors, that’s our next area of focus.

FASHION A FABULOUS FRONT DOOR

This doesn’t require that you run to your nearest lumber store and purchase an expensive new door. You can create some powerful first impressions with a few simple touches.

              *CLEAN and polish the front door and hardware.

              *Add a seasonal doormat, wreath, and/or planter.

              *Update your house numbers.

              *Update your porch and garage door light fixtures.

Ok, so now you’ve entered your home through your FABULOUS FRONT DOOR, what is the first space you see? We’ll move onto that area next.

STYLE THE FIRST SPACE YOU SEE

This area (or space) is your prime real estate for a mini makeover. These subtle enhancements can instantly make a room feel brighter and more inviting.

              *Hang a mirror to reflect light and make the room feel more spacious.

              *Add a small bench or console table.

              *Place a fresh floral arrangement on the console table.

              *Create a tidy drop zone near the entry with a bowl or basket to catch keys, mail,

                and everyday clutter.

Easy-peasy, right? Ok, now we’re ready to move a bit further inside the home. What’s next?

UPGRADE ONE THING PER ROOM

Rather than tackling EVERY thing in EVERY room in the ENTIRE house, just swap out one item per space or make one small change. For instance:

              *Living Room/Den: Layer the lighting with a floor lamp. Paint an accent wall. Add

                 throws and pillows with rich textures and patterns. Install two or three floating

                 shelves to display plants or collectables.

              *Kitchen: Add under-cabinet lighting. Change the faucet. Replace cabinet knobs

                 and drawer pulls.

              *Bedroom: Wallpaper behind the bed. Create a statement headboard. Upgrade

                 your bedding with a mixture of rich textures. Add a soft area rug.

              * Bathroom: Upgrade your bath towels and shower curtain. Replace a boring

                 backsplash with peel and stick tiles. Add a rain-style shower head.

And finally….

SET REALISTIC TOTAL HOME GOALS

It’s all about progress, not perfection. Look for the ‘tiny wins’ to focus on and build momentum. You don’t always need a large budget to increase the value of your home. By tackling some of these purposeful ‘edits,’ your home will look and feel more polished and pulled-together. These little steps can make a big difference—whether you’re just starting to think about selling or already packing boxes.

Wherever you are in the process, I’m here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence. Let’s talk about how to get your home market-ready—on your timeline, and on your terms.

Sandi Downing Real Estate/Keller Williams Greater Omaha

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