Prepping Your Home for Sale

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Maximize Curb Appeal
Getting them through the front door starts at the curb. Manicure the lawn, trim the trees and shrubs. Pull weeds and plant some colorful flowers. Clear the walkways. Fix peeling paint and wind up that hose. Paint the address number on the curb.

Make Repairs to Visible Blemishes
Is there something that’s an eyesore, but an easy fix? If looking at it bothers you, it could bother a potential buyer and reduce the appeal of your home. Replace burnt out light bulbs, fix that loose door handle, make needed paint touch-ups.

Make a Buyer’s Entrance Inviting
Freshly paint the front door with a color that contrasts the house. Add a new welcome mat. Hang a fresh wreath on the door.

Let the Light Shine In
Removing heavy window coverings to let in the natural light we all crave. Add lamps to brighten up darker areas to add more cheer.

Remove the Clutter
This serves two purposes. First, you want your home to have an open and inviting appearance. Removing clutter will make rooms appear larger and more appealing. Second, it helps YOU prepare to move. Going through the clutter and getting rid of what you don’t need will make your move much easier.

Remove Personal Items
It will be much easier for a potential buyer to imagine your home as theirs when they can envision their own items in it.

Highlight Special Features
Use accents and color to draw eyes to special features that you want potential buyers to notice—throw pillows, plants or other eye-catching accessories.

Add Mirrors
Use mirrors to make rooms look larger and lighter. Position opposite windows for best effect.

Clean Out Cabinets and Closets
Buyers are nosy and they WILL open the cabinets. Make sure your contents are orderly and organized.

Eliminate Odors
Clean to remove any odors and do not cook any meals with heavy, lasting smells before a showing.

Add Aromas
You can easily add appeal by quartering an orange and adding it to a pot of water with a cinnamon stick. Simmer on low for an inviting aroma. Or bake a fresh batch of cookies (and leave a plate of them on the counter for visitors).

About the Author
Alina Araujo
Alina Araujo, Broker | Relocation Specialist | Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist | First Time Homebuyer Specialist

To me, real estate is much more than buying or selling a single home, condo, or piece of land. It is about developing long-lasting relationships with my clients and becoming their trusted real estate advisor for whatever their current and next chapters hold. That means helping my clients maximize their most important investment regardless of the market I promise to provide the market information you need to make important real estate decisions and help you achieve your unique goals.

My passion is providing peace of mind and stress reduction throughout the buying or selling process. My former background in mortgage experience provides me “behind the scenes” insight so I can guide you through your transaction with ease. For buyers, I can help you find your comfort zone in terms of price range and monthly budget. For sellers, I put my marketing hat on and help you find the most listing dollars in your property. My team and I put our expertise to work, combining the latest technology and marketing techniques, to market your home utilizing cutting-edge techniques. 


If you are relocating to the greater Seattle area, the Eastside, or throughout King and Snohomish Counties, consider me your go-to resource. I have lived here for almost 30 years and there is just so much to love! Regardless of whether you are just starting your area research or need a home ASAP, I am here, ready to help. 


When my focus is not on my clients, it is on my two kids, my family, and my French Bulldog (named Panda for his awesome black and white coloring). We love to travel, so if you have a recommendation, we are all ears!


I look forward to connecting with you.