There are many reasons why you may consider selling your home. Perhaps you need more space, are downsizing, relocating, or had a lifestyle change. Before selling your home, there are a few things you can do to get it ready for the market – not only to be more appealing to buyers, but also specific things that could yield a higher sales price.

We sat down with Allison Caudle Abbott, realtor and owner of Southern Lux Living, to ask questions about what she would suggest to someone who is considering selling their home.

Q: If I could only repaint three rooms before putting my home on the market, which rooms should I choose to maximize appeal to buyers?

A: Focusing on the kitchen, living area, and primary bedroom can offer the most significant impact. These areas are where potential buyers often envision themselves spending a lot of their time, so fresh, neutral paint in these spaces can make your home feel more inviting and spacious. There’s a saying in real estate – “Update anywhere the water flows,” as these areas have a stigma of being costly area updates. If your kitchen and bathroom have a fresh coat of paint, many buyers will feel more at ease versus a secondary bedroom needing to be painted after they purchase the home.

Q: Would I get my investment back if I opted for a full bathroom remodel before selling?

A: While a full bathroom remodel can enhance your home’s appeal, it’s crucial to consider the current market and your home’s value. Minor updates like replacing fixtures, repainting, and ensuring everything is in good working order often provide a better return on investment. A complete remodel might not always offer a dollar-for-dollar return, but it could make your home more competitive in the market, potentially reducing the time it spends listed.

Q: How can staging my home impact the sale price, and are there specific rooms I should focus on staging more than others?

A: Staging can significantly impact your home’s sale price by showcasing its potential and helping buyers envision living there. Focus on staging the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen, as these are key areas of interest for buyers. Staging these spaces to feel welcoming and functional can help create a strong first impression and potentially increase your home’s sale price.

Q: What are the top features today’s homebuyers are looking for, and how can I highlight these features in my home without undergoing extensive renovations?

A: Today’s buyers often look for open floor plans, good lighting, updated kitchens, and nice bathrooms. Highlight these features by decluttering spaces to appear more open, maximizing natural light with mirrors and light window treatments, and making small updates like new hardware in kitchens. Making necessary updates to a bathroom can feel like quite an undertaking to potential buyers, so getting that completed for them is a bonus.

Q: Considering the current market conditions, how should I price my home to attract buyers while ensuring I don’t undervalue it?

A: Pricing your home correctly from the start is crucial. It involves a balance between attracting buyer interest and reflecting your home’s true market value. Your real estate agent will conduct a comparative market analysis, considering similar recently sold homes, current market trends, and your home’s condition and upgrades. This analysis will guide you in setting a competitive price that attracts buyers without leaving money on the table.