Preparing Your Home For Market
EXPERT TIPS
Making small updates and repairs before listing your home can have a big impact on how buyers perceive the property. A few simple changes can help create a more polished and inviting first impression.
update the paint
why it matters:
Neutral colors appeal to a broader range of buyers and help spaces feel larger and more open. They create a blank canvas for potential buyers.
how to do it:
Choose Light, Airy Colors: Consider shades like soft whites, creams, light grays, or beiges. These colors reflect light and create a feeling of spaciousness.
A few favorites from PorchLight agents include:
• Whisper White | Behr
• Agreeable Grey | Sherwin Williams
• Alaskan Skies | Benjamin Moore
• Oyster White | Sherwin Williams
Accent Walls: If you want to add character, consider an accent wall that complements the overall color scheme without overwhelming the space.
A few favorites from PorchLight agents include:
• Pewter Green | Sherwin Williams
• Rosemary | Sherwin Williams
• Vintage Vogue | Benjamin Moore
• English Channel | Behr
main walls accent walls
ENGLISH CHANNEL
OYSTER WHITE
VINTAGE VOGUE
ALASKAN SKIES
ROSEMARY
AGREEABLE GREY
PEWTER GREEN
WHISPER WHITE
choose the right sheen
The right paint sheen can enhance a home’s appearance, highlighting architectural details while minimizing imperfections. Understanding where to use different finishes ensures a polished, updated look.
why it matters:
Paint sheen affects both durability and aesthetic appeal. While higher sheens were traditionally used in high-traffic areas, modern paint technology allows for matte finishes that are both stylish and practical.
how to do it:
Kitchens & Bathrooms (Flat/Matte Finish): Thanks to improved durability, a high sheen is no longer necessary in areas that are prone to moisture. Matte finishes create a more modern, updated look and help reduce visible wall texture.
Walls & Ceilings (Flat/Matte Finish): A matte finish is ideal for masking minor imperfections and creating a smooth, seamless appearance. Higher sheens can highlight wall texture and small repairs, making them more noticeable.
Doors & Trim (Satin/Semi-Gloss Finish): A higher contrast sheen on woodwork enhances architectural details and adds dimension to a space. This is especially striking in tone-on-tone color palettes, where subtle differences in finish add depth.
refresh & repair
why it matters:
Minor repairs show buyers that the home is well-maintained and ready for move-in, which can eliminate concerns about costly renovations.
how to do it:
Minor Repairs: Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or chipped paint. Even small issues can make a significant difference in buyers’ perceptions.
Update Fixtures: If budget allows, consider updating doorknobs, cabinet handles, and light fixtures for a fresh look.
PorchLight recommendations for metal finishes:
Cool Tones: Chrome, Nickel, Matte Black, Satin Steel
Warm Tones: Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Antique Brass, Copper, Gold
Neutral Tones: Mix of warm and cool, like Brushed Nickel or Satin Brass
modernize & enhance
Strategic updates can make a home feel more current, well-maintained, and desirable to buyers. Even minor changes can significantly impact the home’s appeal and perceived value.
kitchen & bath refresh
why it matters:
Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. Small updates can make these spaces feel fresh and stylish without requiring a full renovation.
how to do it:
Cabinet Facelift: If a full cabinet replacement isn’t in the budget, consider painting or refinishing cabinets and updating hardware.
Backsplash Upgrade: A modern backsplash in subway tile, marble, or textured ceramic can instantly elevate the space.
Countertop Refresh: If possible, replace outdated countertops with quartz or granite for a more high-end look.
upgrade surfaces
Flooring and surface updates can modernize a home and make it feel well-maintained, giving buyers confidence in its quality.
why it matters:
Outdated or worn flooring can be a major turnoff for buyers. Even small updates—like deep cleaning or refinishing—can create a fresh, move-in-ready feel.
how to do it:
Deep Clean & Refresh: Professionally clean carpets, buff and polish hardwoods, and regrout tile where needed.
Replace Worn Flooring: If budget allows, replace outdated carpet or vinyl with modern alternatives like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or engineered hardwood.
Match & Blend: If flooring varies throughout the home, consider consistent materials to create a seamless look.
get smart
Today’s buyers appreciate modern, energy-efficient homes with smart features that enhance convenience and savings.
why it matters:
Small efficiency upgrades can make a home feel more up-to-date and reduce future utility costs, which is a selling point for many buyers.
how to do it:
Lighting: Swap outdated bulbs with LED options for better efficiency and ambiance.
Thermostat: Install a smart thermostat (Nest, Ecobee) to appeal to tech-savvy buyers.
Windows & Seals: Check for drafts and improve insulation with weather stripping or updated caulking.
