Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Blog

How to Earn Top Dollar for Your Connecticut Home for Sale


If you're looking to sell your Fairfield County home, you'll want to make sure that you are doing everything possible to earn top dollar. In this blog post, you’ll learn some of the best ways to get your home ready for sale and maximize its value.

Clean and declutter



Whether you are selling Fairfield real estate, Westport mansions, or Easton homes for sale, the first step to earning top dollar for your Connecticut home is to deep clean, remove clutter, and put away personal items and collectibles for safekeeping. This will allow potential buyers to see your home in its best light and better visualize themselves living there.
 
When deep cleaning your home, start from the top and work your way down. Dust all surfaces, clean windows and mirrors, scrub bathrooms and kitchens until they sparkle, and vacuum or mop floors. Once you’ve completed a thorough cleaning of the inside of your home, don’t forget to clear out the gutters, wash any outside windows, and power wash the exterior siding or brick. A first impression is everything, so make sure your home looks its best from the street.
 
To remove clutter, go through each room one at a time and make piles of items to be kept, donated, or tossed, as well as items to be reviewed at a later date. It can be helpful to rent a storage unit for items you are keeping but won’t need during the selling process. You want potential buyers to be able to see your home’s features and not be distracted by personal belongings. Be sure to schedule a donation pick-up or haul your donation pile to a local acceptance center. You should also consult with your garbage company on any special rules for picking up oversized items.
 
While you don't need to pack up everything, since vacant houses are more difficult for buyers to warm up to, you will want to pack away any personal items, such as family photos or heirlooms that could make it difficult for potential buyers to see themselves in your home. You also want to make sure you pack away fragile items that can be difficult or impossible to replace. Once you've finished packing up the items you want to be kept safe, move them to the storage unit, if you've rented one.

Refresh the paint



A fresh coat of paint is the easiest way to improve the value of Fairfield real estate, Westport mansions, or Easton homes for sale. When choosing a paint color, it’s best to stick with neutrals that will appeal to the widest range of buyers. You may love your bright red dining room or bold yellow kitchen, but potential buyers may not be as enamored with these choices. A fresh coat of white, cream, or light gray paint will help make your home feel clean, bright, and spacious. Before you paint, make sure you repair any wall damage from previously hung artwork or dents from moving large furniture. Painting is easier when you are working with a smooth surface.

Make necessary repairs and consider larger upgrades



The next step in ensuring you earn top dollar for Fairfield real estate, Westport mansions, or Easton homes for sale is to hire a home inspector and make any repairs that the report suggests. Home inspectors will look for any safety hazards, water damage, electrical issues, and structural problems that could turn off potential buyers or result in a lower offer. They will also check for code violations since building codes change every three years. Once you’ve made the necessary repairs, you may want to consider making some larger upgrades that will improve your home’s value even further. Some of the most popular upgrades include:
 
  • Remodeling the kitchen
  • Remodeling the master bathroom
  • Refinishing or replacing hardwood floors
  • Installing energy-efficient windows
  • Adding a deck or patio
  • Installing a heated driveway (no more shoveling snow!)
  • Replacing kitchen, laundry, and heating and cooling appliances
  • Replacing the garage and front doors
Regardless of what upgrades you make, be sure to consult with a real estate agent like Shoshana and Team before starting any work. They will be able to tell you what upgrades are most likely to pay off and how much you can expect to recoup from your investment.

Spruce up the curb appeal



If you want to earn top dollar for Fairfield real estate, Westport mansions, or Easton homes for sale, make sure you spend some time sprucing up the curb appeal. Start by trimming any overgrown bushes or trees and make sure your lawn is freshly-mowed. Then add some color with blooming flowers or potted plants near the front door. If your home’s exterior needs a little bit of extra attention to really shine, consider repainting the trim or doors, cleaning the gutters, and power washing the siding. These are all relatively quick projects that can make a big impact on buyers. If you're feeling stuck on what to do to improve your curb appeal, consider hiring a landscaping professional to give your yard a complete makeover.

Have the main rooms professionally staged



When it comes time to sell Fairfield real estate, Westport mansions, or Easton homes for sale, you want buyers to see your home at its best. That’s why professional staging is such an important part of the selling process. A good stager will bring in furniture and decor that highlights each room's best features and makes them feel spacious, bright, and inviting. At a minimum, you should stage the living room, master bedroom, and dining room. Since staged homes sell for more on average than their unstaged comparable sales, be sure to invest the time and money in professional staging services. You are sure to see a return on investment when you earn top dollar for your home.

Work with a real estate agent


If you want to earn top dollar for Fairfield real estate, Westport mansions, or Easton homes for sale, it’s important to work with a real estate agent who knows the Fairfield market. A local real estate agent like Shoshana Synder will be able to help you price your home competitively, market it to the right buyers, and negotiate the best possible price. When you work with an experienced real estate agent, you are more likely to earn top dollar for your home.
 
These are just a few of the ways you can increase the value of Fairfield real estate, Westport mansions, or Easton homes for sale before listing them for sale. By following these tips, you’re sure to earn top dollar for your home and sell it quickly. If you're thinking of selling your home in Fairfield, Westport, or Easton, Connecticut, contact Shoshana today!



Work With Us

Real estate is a true passion and our strategic and constantly evolving approach is what helps our clients daily, whether they be a buyer or seller. That, as well as our in-depth knowledge of the real estate market and strong negotiation skills, are just a couple of the reasons our clients describe the team as hardworking, honest, committed, innovative and experienced.

CONTACT US

Follow Us on Instagram