Are you ready to take the big step and move into a bigger/newer/better located home? While making a life-changing move like that can be exciting, it’s also one of the top stressors in life. One way to reduce that stress is to ensure that your current home is sold in a reasonable amount of time at a good price.

If you’re in an older home, say 20 to 30 years old, you may find a few challenges when you put it up for sale. While Denver is one of the country’s hottest real estate markets these days, it’s advisable to take a few extra steps to make your house more appealing.

The right price and location are always important, but shouldn’t be the only focus. You need to make an excellent first impression. Here are a few tips to help you make your home sale go as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Start off with the right price.

When deciding on how much to sell your house for, don’t think that you have to start high, see what you can get, and then come down on the price later if it doesn’t move. The first 30 days your house is on the market is always the best activity you’re going to see. Ideally, price it at a reasonable amount, and then let the buyers get into a bidding war. Your real estate agent can help you check comparable homes in your neighborhood to help set a price.

Make a warm, welcoming first impression.

By the time a buyer walks through your door, perceptions of your home have already been made. Improve those perceptions with new flowers and shrubbery in the yard, replacing the mailbox and placing a small table in the entry with fresh-cut flowers or cookies.

Light up your house.

A bright home always “shows” much better. Remove drapes, clean windows, increase the wattage in your light bulbs and trim back large shrubs outside your window. Good light is something almost every buyer mentions they want in their new home.

Lose the clutter.

You’ll want to remove all of your personal items, photos, sports team logos, pet toys, and religious paraphernalia before you start showing your home. This helps the buyers visualize themselves in your house. Keep walkways wide open and make sure all rooms are easy to pass through. Consider hiring a home stager to help you arrange your furniture and décor in a way that complements your floor plan.

Take amazing photos.

Most people who visit your home found it online. And the better the photos, the more likely they’ll want to see your beautiful house in person. Instead of just taking quick cell phone shots, hire a professional photographer. The cost will pay off by showcasing the value of your home.

Sell the lifestyle.

Your listing should include more than just photos of your house. Make sure you include photos of nearby amenities, dining options, local parks, and other attractions. It’s not about just living in your house, it’s about living in a whole new world.

Once your house is sold, where are you headed? If you are looking to move to a newer home, we highly suggest you visit our Stepping Stone community in Parker, Colorado. With brand new homes crafted by premier homebuilders, you’ll easily find a house expressly created to fit your personality.

And remember, you’re not buying a new house. You’re buying into a new lifestyle. At Stepping Stone, you’ll find all sorts of places that bring people together, like a community clubhouse, a competition-sized swimming pool, and outdoor amenities like parks and hiking/biking trails.

Once you sell that older home, come see your potential future at Stepping Stone.