Spring Prep for Selling or Renting Your Home

Written By Ben Williams

Getting your Pacific Northwest home or condo unit ready for market, whether it be to sell or rent, Red Dot Real Estate and Property Management has a few recommendations a homeowner can do to really help their asset work for them in terms of getting the price you want in selling or renting. 

When the weather warms up in April and May in the Seattle area, both renters and buyers come out of hibernation to look for new properties to rent or buy. Springtime is a great time to give your property the added boost it needs, as many buyers and tenants look to make their move in the springtime before the fun of summer sets in. 

Here are a few things you can do to freshen things up and boost curb appeal before selling or renting:

Exterior: 

● Power wash siding, driveway, walkways, and patios. 

● Clean gutters and downspouts. 

● Mow, edge, and fertilize the lawn; trim bushes and trees. 

● Plant flowers or add fresh mulch for curb appeal. 

● Inspect the roof for damaged shingles or flashing. 

● Touch up paint on doors, trim, shutters, and fences. 

● Clean windows inside and out.

Interior: 

  • Deep clean every room, especially kitchens and bathrooms. 

  • Declutter countertops, closets, and shelves — less is more. 

  • Steam clean carpets and mop floors. 

  • Touch up paint or repaint walls in neutral colors. 

  • Replace burnt-out light bulbs and clean fixtures. 

  • Clean appliances inside and out. 

  • Check for odors and use air purifiers or light scents. 

Repairs & Maintenance: 

  • Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, loose handles, etc. 

  • Replace outdated or broken fixtures. 

  • Ensure your HVAC system is serviced and has a clean filter - these are often overlooked 

Staging Tips: 

  • Add fresh towels, pillows, or bedding. 

  • Set dining or coffee tables with simple décor. 

  • Add a few plants for life and color. 

For a free market analysis of your property, please reach out to us at Red Dot Real Estate & Property Management, and we’ll be happy to meet in person to discuss options to get your home sold or rented right away.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now.

Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Ben Williams