Blog Education Zen and the Art of House Preparation

Zen and the Art of House Preparation

By Sharon Marciniak (Bloudek), February 27, 2019

Zen and the Art of House Preparation

Abraham Lincoln said if you give him six hours to cut down a tree, he would take four hours sharpening his axe. The same idea applies to preparing your house to sell (or a visit from your in-laws!).

Before Marie Kondo made it popular, I always encouraged clients to declutter their home. I think it is an investment of time which will always pay dividends when selling and moving. But it’s also important to spark joy for a buyer when they come to view. Consider the following…

Become the buyer! Depersonalize your home back into a house-

‣ Refresh the air and make sure pet odors are absent.
‣ Repair all those little issues you have been putting off.
‣ Replace clutter with space and fresh touches.

Grab attention from buyers! Be the best dressed house on the block-
‣ Refresh your yard and house paint.
‣ Repair lamps, mailbox and shutters.
‣ Replace the roof if needed, and get the gutters done too!

Welcome buyers! First impressions really count-
‣ Refresh the paint on your front door.
‣ Repair or clean your door hardware, including your bell.
‣ Replace old doormats and add flowers!

Entice the buyer! Clean, clean and then clean some more-
‣ Refresh carpets, rugs, draperies and clean appliances.
‣ Repair and clean vent covers and bathroom fans.
‣ Replace grimy grout and ceiling fans.

Create your buyer’s dreams! Stage your house to attract everyone-
‣ Refresh your viewpoint, or work with a professional Stager to gain clarity.

‣ Repair and showcase the kitchen, the heart of the home.
‣ Replace your color palette with neutrals so buyers can dream too.

Sharon Marciniak (Bloudek)

Principal Broker | OR

She/Her

Sharon is a Licensed Principal Broker in Oregon who has been in the real estate industry since 2007. With a Business Degree in Marketing/Management from Loyola Marymount University, an MBA from the University of Oregon, and international business studies at the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark, Sharon brings a strategic and diverse perspective to her role...
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  • T: 503-701-1000
  • sharon@bridgetoportland.com

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