Zen and the Art of House Preparation

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