Spring has sprung, and the weather is fining up with longer days and copious sunshine. The roads are nearly free of snow and ice, melting into the forest and filling our reservoirs. Wildflowers are beginning to pop up amongst the rocks, and the aspen trees are gaining their lime green leaves. People are talking about enjoying spring mountain activities like biking, hiking, boating, and concerts.
Now’s the time to mention that you are selling your mountain home to friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers, and even complete strangers you run into about town. It never hurts to mention all the activities you enjoy and what you love about the mountains, and how much you will miss it all when you move away from the area - or how you'll miss this home as you move on to your next home in the area.
Getting your home on the market requires many decisions, including valuing your home right. One of your jobs is to stage your home for all the realtors, potential buyers, and even the home inspectors that will be coming through to evaluate, price, and submit an offer to buy your home. Here are some helpful staging tips to sell your mountain home quickly to get top dollar as you put your home on the real estate market.
Hire a Stager
First, if interior decorating and design is not your talent, strongly consider hiring a professional home stager, as they have an eye for these things that most do not. You’ll be amazed at their talent in moving things around, editing out clutter, adding an eye-catching decorative item or two, and generally putting your home in the best light. Statistics show that for every $100 spent on staging, you will get $400 back in sale value. What a great investment!
Clean and Clean Out
Second, clean your home like you’ve never cleaned it before. A clean, fresh, tidy home gets more attention and higher offers. Decide what you will move and what you won’t be taking to your next home. Sell or give away what you don't intend to move now. Holding a spring garage sale lets neighbors know you’re moving, plus makes you quick cash for moving supplies like boxes, tape, storage, and truck rentals. Charities like Goodwill or FIRC resell donations of the things that don’t sell, and while you are donating your old things and getting a tax deduction receipt, you can pick up some specific items to stage your home. Some ideas for cheap but cool thrift store finds to stage your mountain home include mountain-themed artwork, a canoe, old skis, snowshoes, a sled, gardening equipment, hiking maps, hiking boots, taxidermy or mountain animal paintings, books or magazines on mountain related subjects (Colorado, The Rocky Mountains, wildlife, wildflowers, western history, etc.), fireplace tools, and cozy accessories like rugs and throw blankets.
Pack up Now
Third, pack up everything you’ve decided you want to move with you but don't use every day, and get it out of the way. The garage or a storage unit is helpful as a place to store things you don't need while your home is selling, and it keeps your valuables safe while strangers are poking around your home. A full storage unit makes loading a moving truck easier later, plus storage facilities generally rent moving trucks and packing supplies.
Rearrange and Set the Stage
Fourth, stage your home with that mountain stuff you bought from the thrift store. The things placed around your home do not need to resemble your personality or the activities that you enjoy. In fact, it’s best to remove your personal flair and personality entirely, and make your home as generic as possible. People searching for their slice of the mountains have their own fantasy in mind. Give them visual space to imprint their mountain dream in your home. Appeal to any mountain fantasy with equipment and gear for a variety of activities. Capture the idea of enjoying mountain wildlife and nature up close. Cozy up your place to offset the cool mountain air, and make room for a new family to call it home. Arrange furniture by task, and make it look like a magazine spread.
Freshen the Air
Fifth, add a few houseplants or flowers to freshen the air and to add freshness to the home. Be sure to open the windows on a warm day to air out your home and remove any lingering odors. Ensure no pet or cooking odors are noticeable. Don’t overdo air fresheners, but a light scent can be pleasant. Think clean and fresh.
Contact Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties for more advice and tips on staging your home and to sell your mountain home quickly and for top dollar in Summit County, Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Copper Mountain, Silverthorne, Dillon, Granby, Grand Lake, Winter Park, or Fraser.
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By Coldwell Banker
