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Anybody Home? Check the Refrigerator! Seller Tips to Put Your Home’s Best ‘Footing’ Forward

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Real Estate Agent with Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 228209

Anybody Home? Check the Refrigerator! Seller Tips to Put Your Home’s Best ‘Footing’ Forward

 

Showing a home this weekend, I heard a comment from a buyer that I haven’t heard in a while: “We want move-in ready and have no tolerance for updating in the first 3-5 years we live there.”

After years of incredibly low inventory, buyers have become accustomed to taking whatever they could find, even if it meant dealing with outdated kitchens or bathrooms. With rental rates soaring, finding a home to purchase—no matter the condition—became a more acceptable option than ever before in my 20+ year career.

However, as the market begins to shift, sellers are also getting the message loud and clear - buyers are again demanding that homes be ready to move into, without needing any work. So, if you’re thinking of selling, it’s time to put your best foot forward by addressing key areas that can make your home truly move-in ready. Set the stage so well that your potential buyers will ask, “Does anyone live here?

When preparing your home for sale, it's important to tackle the most impactful areas first. Here’s a streamlined list of priorities to help you put your best foot forward in today’s market:

 

1. Address Deferred Maintenance

Before you even think about the aesthetic details, focus on repairing any glaring issues. A pre-inspection can uncover hidden repairs that buyers’ inspectors will inevitably find. Things like broken window seals, dripping faucets and faulty caulking can raise red flags. Larger issues like HVAC, roofing or structural concerns could be deal-breakers once under contract, so address these ahead of time. This shows buyers that your home has been well-maintained and is ready to move into without surprises.

2. Neutralize the Colors

Bright or bold colors can be a turn-off for many buyers. Neutralize any loud rooms with fresh, soft hues that appeal to a wider audience. A small investment in painting now can pay off by helping buyers envision themselves in the space without the burden of repainting. Neutral tones will also give the house a more polished and updated feel, making it feel move-in ready.

3. De-Personalize Your Space

Buyers want to imagine themselves in your home, not guess at your life story based on family photos. Remove personal items like pictures, diplomas, or anything that can distract from the house itself. A neutral, clean environment lets buyers focus on the property and picture how they could make it their own.

4. Declutter

Decluttering goes hand in hand with de-personalizing. A tidy, organized home is much more appealing than one packed with excess items. Clean out closets, drawers, and storage spaces to give the impression that your home has plenty of storage. Start packing up things you won’t need in the next few weeks—it’ll make moving easier and help show off the space in your home.

5. Make the Front Door Welcoming

Your front door is the first impression buyers will get of your home. While the showing agents are unlocking the lockbox, your potential buyers are looking up, down and all around. Make sure the front door and all around it are clean and cobweb-free. Is your door freshly painted and inviting? Add a new welcome mat and some colorful seasonal flowers in a pot to make the entrance feel warm and welcoming. This small effort will set a positive tone for the rest of the showing.

6. Clean and Update Floors

Floors are one of the first things buyers notice, so ensure they’re in great shape. If your hardwood floors need refinishing or the carpets need cleaning or replacing, now’s the time to do it. Buyers expect move-in ready homes and flooring is a significant part of that expectation. Don’t rely on a “flooring allowance”—buyers want to see floors that are already in good condition.

7. Spruce Up the Landscaping

Outdoor living spaces are in high demand in the Charlotte area and a well-kept yard can make a huge impact on your home buyers. Fresh mulch, seasonal flowers and trimmed hedges can turn your yard into an inviting oasis. Make sure to remove weeds and store any children’s toys or bikes out of sight. A tidy, attractive exterior can boost your home’s curb appeal - and make it stand out to potential buyers.

8. Focus on the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the first places buyers look. If your kitchen is outdated, now is the time to make updates—buyers don’t want to take on the expense and effort of renovations. Ensure cabinets, drawers, and countertops are clean and organized and if the space needs work, consider small updates like new hardware or fresh paint on the cabinets. And remember, buyers will open your cabinets, drawers and closets!

9. Clean the Windows

Let the sunshine in! Clean windows and screens can make a huge difference in how fresh and bright your home looks & feels. If you have windows with broken seals, go ahead and replace them. Buyers will notice this and will likely request repairs later, so taking care of it beforehand can help avoid delays or complications.

10. And, If You have One, Don’t Forget the Garage

If your garage is chock-full of boxes, furniture or other clutter, it’s time to clear it out. Buyers want to see that the garage is functional and spacious enough for their cars, not just serving as a storage area for lack of storage/closet space in your home. Whether you clean it up or rent storage space, make sure the garage is ready to show off its full potential.



By addressing these priorities and preparing your home in a way that lets buyers see its full potential, you’ll position yourself for a successful sale. A little effort up front can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells and for the price you’re aiming for. Your home will look so fabulous, your potential buyers will be asking, “Does anyone live here?!

 

***Did you know that the best way to tell if someone is still living in the home is to check the refrigerator?!

 

© Debe Maxwell, CRS | The Maxwell House Group | Savvy + Company | SavvyBroker@me.com | Anybody Home? Check the Refrigerator! Seller Tips to Put Your Home’s Best ‘Footing’ Forward

Comments(14)

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Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.WarrenCountyOhioRealEstate.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Debe, Solid advice for sellers to optimize their success on the market!  I've found refrigerators and closets can tell us a lot about a home's owners and their current status.

Jan 27, 2025 03:01 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

With so much information available with a quick Google search, the facts are usually easily discovered thanks to job change announcements Facebook posts, obits, court records and more.

Jan 27, 2025 04:51 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Indeed! I've had buyers spot only men's or women's clothing in the closet and exclaim, "Oh, this is a divorce! A great opportunity to get a good deal!" Sometimes is a widow or widower - they don't think about that!

Liz and Bill Spear 

Jan 27, 2025 03:26 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

That is so true, Liz and Bill Spear! Funny that you say that - I just had a client tell me more than I even know about them - about sellers of a home that we were touring! I asked how on earth they knew all of that..."Oh, she just googled them!!" I really do wish I had more hours in the day! Ha!

Jan 27, 2025 09:28 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Wonderful advice Debe Maxwell, CRS I think you have it well covered.

Jan 27, 2025 06:56 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Thank you, Bob "RealMan" Timm! Lord knows I've coached many, many home sellers!! We learn from each and every one!

Jan 27, 2025 09:28 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Debe Maxwell, CRS these are very valuable list of seller tips for to put a home's best footing forward. Excellent post!

Jan 27, 2025 08:10 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Thank you so much for the kind words, John Pusa! It's always best to put our listed homes' best footings forward, isn't it?!

Jan 27, 2025 09:29 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Sparkle and it will sell faster. Make the front door knob turn like "butter" it is a telltale sign if a home was maintained.

Jan 27, 2025 09:13 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

I love that you mentioned that, Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI - I have a seller that I noticed over the weekend that the door was sticking and I need to tell them about that! Thank you for reminding me about the 'buttery' door knob!

Jan 27, 2025 09:30 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Debe - regardless of market conditions, understanding what makes buyers pull the lever and vote for your property when it is for sale can't be ignored.  All sorts of things matter.  

Jan 28, 2025 04:13 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

More than most sellers ever realize, Michael Jacobs! I still enjoy the ah-ha moments sellers have when we review what matters when it comes to selling their homes! 

Jan 28, 2025 07:40 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Excellent advice for how to get your home "move-in ready!"

Carol Williams - a suggestion for Second Chance Saturday!

Jan 28, 2025 05:03 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Thank you so much, Kat Palmiotti! As you know, this is the tip of the iceberg but, a great start!

Jan 28, 2025 07:41 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

These are really good tips and buyers will always let the sellers know when they need to do a better job in getting their home ready, since they won't receive offers unless they do, haha.

Jan 28, 2025 05:20 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

It's becoming a 'thing' in our area, Brian England. I know sellers enjoyed just slapping the sign in the yard and a short listing in MLS and having multiple offers on their home when they left for the day with the sink full of dishes and dirty laundry scattered about! A little more work is required in 2025!! 

Jan 28, 2025 07:42 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Debe,
This is an excellent blueprint for getting a home ready for showings. I think it's better for everyone if there is enough inventory so that buyers can be more selective about what they buy. 

I've never understood "deferred maintenance." Things should be taken care of as they arise because little issues become bigger issues.  "A stitch in time saves nine".

Jan 28, 2025 06:24 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

I'm the same way, Carol Williams - we are on top of maintenance before things go wrong. I can't imagine just overlooking issues that need repaired. I've always been a big believer that 'a stitch in time saves nine' also!

Jan 28, 2025 07:44 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Debe,  Closets and the refri are two items to see if vacant or not.  If vacant people do not want that house payment and may accept a lower price

 

Jan 28, 2025 09:26 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Exactly what we recommend as well, Will Hamm! Those empty closets and refrigerators are opportunities!

Jan 28, 2025 03:55 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Debe- I'm glad you included the garage!!!  I've consulted on many homes where the sellers stashed everything in their garage...so much that it was impossible to tell if it even fit one car much less two. 

Jan 28, 2025 10:38 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Oh, that's a huge pet peeve of mine, Kathy Streib! It screams that there is not enough storage in the home, one of the main reasons people upsize (for more storage)!!

Jan 28, 2025 03:55 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Debe these are very good suggestions, and several do not cost much to do.

Jan 28, 2025 03:35 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

You're so right, George Souto! Great seeing you today - I really enjoyed Dick's presentation.

Jan 28, 2025 03:56 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Debe,

I'm so glad that Carol Williams featured your post in her Saturday Series as I missed it this week. I was out of town at a dear friend's husbands funeral. He unexpectedly passed and was gut wrenching! I love your post as sellers do have to up their game in presenting their homes to buyers.  I've found refrigerators and closets can tell us a lot about a home's owners and their current status.

Feb 01, 2025 04:27 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Oh Dorie, I'm so sorry about your friend's loss. It's such a challenging time in our lives when we feel like we are losing far more friends & family than ever before.  

Thank you for your kind words about the post. They truly do have to step up their games! I met a couple of local agents today for wine and we were discussing how sellers have been so used to not having to dot all of the i's and their homes flew off the market. We have to get back to basics and prepare them for stiff competition again!

Feb 01, 2025 07:58 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Debe:

These are all excellent suggestions and pretty easy to implement, at least in most cases.

Your point about the refrigerator made me think of perhaps the grossest one I ever saw years ago during the short sale/foreclosure days. The home was a mess and clearly vacant but one of the buyers opened the fridge and...well, the sight and smell was horrific. We left immediately after that.

Jeff

Feb 01, 2025 05:31 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Oh, there's nothing worse than a nasty refrigerator, Jeff Dowler, CRS! I've never understood how folks are okay with that!

Feb 01, 2025 07:59 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

Debe Maxwell, CRS   This post is the primer for getting a property sold.  We still have minimum inventory with buyers having to be creative to get in the game.

Feb 02, 2025 08:45 AM