If you’ve decided to sell your Ridgefield home, rest assured that with the proper planning, the process can be seamless and deliver a successful outcome. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or selling for the first time, preparing your house is crucial in attracting the right buyers and maximizing your property’s value. 

If the process feels daunting, we’ve got you covered! From enhancing curb appeal to properly decluttering the space, use this comprehensive checklist to help get your home market-ready. 

As you’re reading this list, start thinking about which tasks you’ll complete and which you’ll hire a professional to do. For example, if you have a background in interior decorating, staging your home would be something you’d be well-suited for and won’t have to hire a professional.

The Checklist to Sell Your Ridgefield Home 

Do the research on your home’s value and potential pricing.

Gather key pieces of financial information so that you can estimate your home’s value and potential pricing. It also helps to first understand the estimated payoff amount on your current mortgage, including your remaining loan balance, interest, and property taxes. This figure can provide you with your potential profit when you set your listing pricing. 

Also look into the housing market to compare similar properties. A licensed real estate agent in Ridgefield can pull these comps, provide deep insight into the current market, and help determine an appropriate listing price.

Assess and handle minor repairs.

Walk your home and property with a critical eye and create a list of repairs that can easily be fixed before listing. Unless you have a background in home repairs, hire a local handyperson to help fix any small issues in your house. Squeaky hinges, leaks, or broken blinds will be a turnoff for potential buyers. 

Other items to check for may include: 

• Covers on electrical outlets
• Doors, cabinets, and windows can close/open properly
• Walls are free from cracks or holes
• Toilets and faucets are functioning properly
  

 

Get estimates for any major repairs.

While not all issues  need to be repaired before listing your home, you should disclose any problems for potential buyers. If you’re able, have repair estimates ready should a buyer ask questions or wants to negotiate your listed price.

Declutter your home.

First impressions matter and when potential buyers visit your home for the first time, you want them attracted to its beauty and not distracted by your belongings. A clutter-free space allows people to see the true potential of the home, and make it easier for people to envision themselves living there. 

Additionally, cluttered homes will look smaller and appear less maintained. Without the clutter, potential buyers can focus on key features of the home and move around the space more easily.  

If you’re selling your Ridgefield home and still living in the space, consider putting some items in storage or taking the opportunity to donate items such as excess furniture, toys, or decor that your household no longer needs. Local organizations that accept donations include:

• The Ridgefield Thrift Shop
• Goodwill Donation Center
• The Habitat for Humanity ReStore

 

Give your home a deep clean. 

Cleanliness counts when selling your home! Carpet stains or bad smells throughout the property can turn off potential buyers.

Clean your home thoroughly and address things like carpet stains, odors, or other spaces that look unkempt. Consider enlisting the help of professionals to steam clean carpets or deep clean bathrooms and other highly-trafficked areas. 

Paint the walls.

A fresh coat of paint in neutral colors like white, gray, or beige will be most appealing to potential buyers. Fresh interior paint will allow potential buyers to envision themselves and their belongings in the space. Additionally, lighter, newly-painted rooms feel larger and brighter.

Paint also covers up signs of wear and tear on walls, and gives a home a clean and well-cared for appearance. Investing in paint before listing your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s appeal.

Depersonalize the space.

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned and decluttered your home, remove family photos and other personalized decor to create a more neutral space.

Stage your home.

Take the cleaning, decluttering, and depersonalizing the space steps further by staging your home. Staging a home is the process of arranging and decorating the property to showcase its best features and highlighting its potential appeal to buyers. For example, a home with furniture and other decorative elements such as pillows, artwork, and greenery can add warmth, personality, and visual interest to the home. 

Consider working with professionals who are trained at making homes more appealing and attractive to a wide range of buyers. 

Create a positive impression from the outside.

Curb appeal is important, and the front of the house and front lawn are the first impression for potential home buyers. Make sure the grass is cut, pathways are weeded, and the grounds are well-maintained. Keep outdoor clutter to a minimum by picking up toys and storing equipment.

If necessary, consider power washing the siding or applying a fresh coat of paint.

Hire a professional photographer.

Your home is sparkling and ready, both inside and out, so now it’s time to take some professional photos, which can significantly enhance your marketing offers and lead to a successful sale. 

The investment in hiring a professional photographer is usually minimal compared to the potential return on attracting the right buyers. Trained pros have the skills, experience, and equipment to produce high-quality images that showcase the home in the most appealing way.

With these steps, your home in Ridgefield is now ready to be marketed!