Top Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale (Part One)

If you’re considering selling your home, summer in Lake Tahoe is the perfect season to leverage the bustling tourist activity. This time of year offers an excellent opportunity to present your property in the best light and achieve top market value.

At Sun Bear Realty and Vacation Rentals in Incline Village/North Lake Tahoe, we’ve been helping clients prepare their homes for sale for over 30 years, and this month we’re sharing our invaluable insights through our Blogs.

When you're ready to take the next steps, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced real estate team in Incline Village for personalized advice, robust listing services, and effective marketing support.

How to Prepare a Home to Sell at the Best Price

It’s All About Curb Appeal

The first impression of your home is crucial in the real estate market. It can significantly influence a buyer’s perception and lead to a successful sale. Here are essential strategies to enhance your home’s exterior.

The Driveway: A well-maintained driveway creates a positive first impression. Summertime is the ideal time to invest in resealing or pressure washing the driveway—both affordable options that can dramatically enhance your home’s exterior.

Landscaping:  In the Sierra, thoughtful landscaping can either boost your home’s appeal or be kept minimalist. A tidy front yard with native pine trees can resonate well with potential buyers, who often prefer less maintenance. If you wish to enhance the natural beauty, opt for low-maintenance plants that thrive in the High Sierra environment. This not only saves water but also protects our stunning local ecosystems.

Paint and/or New Siding: The elements can wear down any property over time. Assess your exterior from a buyer's perspective—does it align with the quality of homes in your price range? If the paint is peeling or the siding looks dated, consider investing in a fresh coat of paint or new siding. This often yields a substantial return on investment.

The Front Door and Garage Doors: These elements serve as both functional components and aesthetic focal points of your home. If they look worn, consider replacing them to boost visual appeal and energy efficiency. A beautiful entrance sets the tone for the entire property.

The Welcome Mat: When is the last time you paid attention to the outdoor mats? Now is the time to replace them to ensure a fresh and tidy look when those potential buyers knock on your door. And a big colorful pot of flowers always offer that welcoming and homey feeling!

And that’s just the beginning.  Follow our Blog next week for Part Two of our tips to prepare your home for sale!