Gallery of Transformations | The Cotter Group

GALLERY OF TRANSFORMATIONS

THE COTTER GROUP

A Note From Colleen

Preparing your home for sale is not a matter of taste, but of strategy! Making small but strategic decisions can result in selling your home for significantly more money. The reason for this is simple: buyers and agents often have little imagination. If a property doesn’t look appealing, they walk away.

It has been shown time and again that well-prepared homes sell for a higher price and with fewer days on the market than unprepared properties – and the great news is that making important changes doesn’t have to be expensive!

I tend to suggest the following improvements for properties:

• Fresh interior paint

• Deep cleaning

• Staging or styling

• Updated light fixtures & cabinet hardware

• Refinishing wood floors and/or replacing carpet

I am very cautious of my clients’ investments and will only suggest preparations that will bring the strongest returns. My team is highly experienced in thoroughly assessing homes and advising on which improvements will bring maximum value to a property. We have a fantastic team of vendors behind us and are prepared to manage all improvements from start to finish!

Enclosed in this brochure you will find examples of properties that my team and I successfully prepared for market and sold over the last couple of years. We always strive to make this process as smooth and easy as possible. I am looking forward to the possibility of working together – please reach out if you would like to learn more about our services for sellers!

Best,

Staging vs. Styling STAGING

One of the most important preparations for a property is staging!

There are many reasons for this, but first and foremost is that staging elevates our marketing and online presence, which directly correlates to the amount of buyers interested in the home.

We want to capture those buyers the minute they see the photos online. Once they’re hooked and decide to visit the property in person, staging allows them to be greeted by a homey environment and envision how they would live in the home.

Here is an example of a property that we fully prepped and primed for the market. You can see what a difference fresh white paint and staging can make!

Source: National Association of Realtors 20%

of 2022 home buyers increased their offer on a home by 1%-5% because the property was staged.

Staging vs. Styling STYLING

Selling your home can be stressful, and sometimes it’s not possible to move out before the closing date. We have sold many owner-occupied properties over the years, and the secret ingredient is styling!

We have a fantastic styling team with a true eye for design. They will walk through the home with us and make design and style options that showcase the property in the best possible light.

Simple ways to style your home include:

• De-cluttering bookshelves

• Accessorizing couches with accent pillows

• Adding new area rugs

Here is an example of a property that we sold while our seller was still living in the home. While our seller had impeccable taste and beautiful furniture, our stylist was still able to transform and elevate each room.

BEFORE

AFTER

Preparing Your Home For Sale

THE BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Many fixes cost little and still dramatically enhance market response and value. From basic cleaning to staging a home inside and out, anything that appears likely to bring a return on your investment is worth your consideration.

of buyers’ agents reported that home staging affected most buyers’ view of the home.

58% said staging a home made it easier for potential buyers to visualize the property as a future home.

39%

of buyers identified the living room as the highest priority room to stage.

81%

48%

of sellers’ agents noticed a decrease in the time a staged home spends on the market.

BEFORE

AFTER

Simple Fixes

Improving your home can be as simple as removing clutter from shelves, tables, counters, desks, closets, and cabinets. Ideally, the garage, basement, and attic should also be cleared out.

Here are some great tips for making your home shine:

• Remove family photos & other personal touches

• Take out unneeded or outdated furniture

• Replace selected pieces of furniture & area rugs

• Remove carpet and/or refinish hardwood floors

• Maximize light

» Add new lamps & brighter bulbs

» Adjust drapes & blinds

» Trim trees that are blocking natural light

• Maximize views

» Minimize unpleasant views with decorative screens, window treatments, or glazed windows

A Step Further

Freshening up an interior with paint is perhaps the most cost-effective improvement a seller can make – and don’t forget to give your kitchen the attention it deserves, it’s one of the most important rooms in the house!

Here are some top tips for sellers (and of course we can manage these):

• Painting

» Touch up scuffed paint or invest in a full paint job

» Choose light, neutral colors (especially in main rooms)

• Deep Cleaning

» Get a professional deep clean

» The kitchen and bathrooms should look pristine

» Don’t neglect flooring or windows

• Simple Fixes

» Make a list of simple fixes or issues you’ve noticed, and our handyman will make the repairs

» Replace broken windows, old light-switch plates & leaky faucets

• Bathroom Updates

» Re-glaze sinks & bathtubs (our painters can do this)

» Fresh grout

» Replace hardware & light fixtures

• Kitchen Refresh

» Paint kitchen cabinets

» Replace hardware

» Replace counter tops & appliances

Staging Secrets

The goal is for the home to feel aspirational, yet warm and comfortable. You’ll want to put staging dollars where they have the greatest impact – typically in the living room, kitchen/dining room, and master bedroom.

Outdoor space is increasingly important to buyers, so you’ll want to make sure yours is well-manicured and inviting.

• Add seating areas & al fresco dining options

• Pressure wash or re-stain decks

• Take care of your green space

» Remove weeds & mow grass

» Plant flowers

» Trim shrubs & shape hedges

» Re-sod lawn if necessary

Don’t forget about curb appeal! The exterior of your home is what makes the first impression, and we all know that first impressions are everything.

• Add flower boxes to steps, walkways & exterior windows

• New house numbers & mailbox

• Fresh exterior paint

Final Steps

Once preparations are complete, we’ll have your beautiful home photographed by a professional real estate photographer. The vast majority of potential buyers will first see your home’s photographs online, and then decide whether they want to see it in person.

If there are major repairs you decide not to take on, we’ll make sure to get estimates of those repairs to disclose to buyers, along with pest and contractor inspections. An informed buyer is much more likely to make a competitive offer than one who has to wonder what’s hidden behind the walls.