The real estate market remains strong for sellers, but that doesn’t mean homeowners can forgo making updates before listing their property. To secure the best possible offer and a quick closing, sellers need to invest time and effort into preparing their homes for the market. Thoughtful updates and strategic staging can make all the difference in attracting buyers and maximizing value.
“When selling a home, it’s important to be mindful of updates that are less taste-specific,” says Realtor® Paula Hinegardner of The Paula Hinegardner Group of Keller Williams® in Franklin. “The way you live in a house is different from the way you sell a house.”
Many homeowners fill their spaces with personal touches - family photos, sentimental décor, and unique design choices. While these elements make a home feel special, they can limit a buyer’s ability to picture themselves in the space. That’s why depersonalization is key. Removing personal items, simplifying décor, and creating a neutral, inviting atmosphere helps broaden a home’s appeal.
Beyond depersonalization, sellers should ensure their homes align with current design trends. “Even if something isn’t your personal style, it’s important to create a look that appeals to the masses,” Paula explains. “A neutral, stylish home will attract more buyers and better offers.”
To help sellers maximize their home’s potential, The Paula Hinegardner Group takes a concierge-style approach to real estate, offering full-service home preparation at no additional cost to clients. “We handle everything - professional staging, design consultations, landscaping, repairs, and deep cleaning,” Paula says. “Whether your home needs a minor refresh or a complete transformation, we take care of the details so you can focus on your next move.”
Unlike traditional real estate teams, Paula’s group consists of a diverse team of professionals, including interior designers, stagers, landscapers, and handymen. “Instead of just having buyer’s agents and listing agents, we provide a full-service experience,” she explains. “We’re a one-stop shop for getting your home market-ready.”
The process begins with a designer consultation, where experts assess the home and recommend updates that will make the biggest impact. They help select market-friendly colors, stylish furnishings, and key enhancements to highlight the home’s best features. If staging is necessary, Paula’s team can bring in furniture and décor to complement the space.
“Different homes require different styles,” she says. “The goal is to enhance the home’s architecture and character while making it as attractive as possible to buyers.”
The level of updates depends on the home’s current condition and the seller’s budget. Some homes may only require simple changes, such as repainting walls, updating light fixtures, or swapping out cabinet hardware. Others may benefit from more extensive renovations, like kitchen or bathroom remodels.
“Painting is the least expensive yet most impactful update you can make,” Paula advises. “Dark colors can make a home feel smaller and outdated, so opt for light, neutral tones. Grays are fading in popularity, and creamy off-whites are the preferred choice now.”
When it comes to larger updates, the kitchen is often the most critical space to focus on. Buyers are looking for open, functional kitchens with high-end finishes. Features like quartz countertops, seamless backsplashes, bold lighting, and spacious islands are highly desirable.
“The kitchen is the heart of the home,” she says. “No matter how much seating you have in your house when you entertain, everyone gathers around the kitchen island. That’s why it’s important to make it a showpiece.”
Bathrooms are another key selling point. Buyers favor spa-like features such as frameless glass showers, stand-alone tubs, double vanities with individual mirrors, and ample storage space. Flooring, lighting, and color choices should create a calm, luxurious feel.
Paula encourages sellers to approach home updates with a strategic mindset. “It’s important to make budget-conscious improvements that enhance your home’s value without overspending,” she says. “You don’t want to invest more money than necessary in a home you’re leaving behind.”
Her team helps sellers navigate this process, ensuring that every update adds value and contributes to a faster, more profitable sale. “Our concierge services are designed to take the stress out of selling,” she says. “We handle the details, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected expenses or overwhelming to-do lists.”.
In today’s market, buyers have high expectations, and homes that are move-in ready tend to sell faster and for higher prices. By making smart updates, staging effectively, and working with an experienced real estate team, sellers can maximize their home’s potential and attract the best possible offers.
“The goal is to present your home in the best possible light,” Paula says. “With the right approach, you can create a space that buyers fall in love with - and ultimately, that’s what leads to a successful sale.”
“When selling a home, it’s important to be mindful of updates that are less taste-specific.”
“With the right approach, you can create a space that buyers fall in love with - and ultimately, that’s what leads to a successful sale.”