Kadji Anderson:
Selling Homes in Probate or in an Auction
As Glastonbury and Hartford County’s population ages, many homeowners and their families face the challenge of preparing a home for sale. If you’re selling a home that belongs or belonged to a loved one, understanding the probate process is crucial. If a homeowner passes without a living trust, probate court oversees property distribution. This can be time-consuming, so working with experienced professionals ensures a smoother sale.
Decluttering is key to showcasing a home’s potential, but handling decades of possessions can feel overwhelming. That’s where my specialized auction services come in. We provide full-service home cleanouts where items are evaluated, discarded, donated, or sold through our auction platform. Cleanup costs are reimbursed first, and profits from auction sales are split 50-50 between my company and the homeowner or estate. This efficient process not only clears the property quickly but also helps maximize value.
Whether you’re navigating probate or simply downsizing, thoughtful preparation can transform a stressful process into a successful, rewarding experience.
Kadji Anderson: Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway
Phone: 860-836-2721
Email: kadjianderson@bhhsne.com
Online: Kadjianderson.bhhsneproperties.com
On Social: @kadjianderson
Dawn Gagliardi:
Plan Ahead - Far Ahead!
Preparing to sell your home well in advance is crucial for a smooth and successful sale, says Dawn Gagliardi, a Realtor with Serhant CT in West Hartford. Starting early allows homeowners to make strategic decisions that can enhance the home’s value and appeal to potential buyers. "Even contacting a Realtor a year before you plan to sell can provide valuable insights into the current market trends, necessary repairs or upgrades, and a realistic timeline."
Realtors can offer expert advice on how to maximize your home’s value, she adds, whether through minor renovations, decluttering, or staging.
"By planning ahead, you give yourself time to assess the market conditions, which can fluctuate, and adjust your selling strategy accordingly. Early preparation also helps avoid rushed decisions that could negatively impact the sale, such as pricing too high or neglecting important repairs." Furthermore, Realtors can assist with understanding your local area’s demand, inventory, and pricing trends, helping you set a competitive yet achievable selling price.
In addition, preparing early gives you more time to manage any emotional aspects of selling, allowing for a clearer, more rational approach when the time comes to list your home. Starting the process a year in advance ensures you are well-positioned to achieve your goals and sell for the best price possible.
Dawn Gagliardi, Esq. - Serhant. CT
Phone: 860-810-3237
Email: DawnG@serhant.com
Online: GagliardiTeam.com
On Social: @dawnydoesrealestate
Paula Ostop:
Staging your home
Staging a home is essential for creating a strong first impression and helping potential buyers envision themselves living in the home, says Paula Ostop, a Realtor with William Raveis Real Estate in West Hartford. By showcasing a home’s best features, she says, staging maximizes its appeal through thoughtful styling and design. Regardless of the price point, every home I list is staged to ensure it stands out.
We often use existing items in the home, enhancing them with fresh decor, flowers, and strategic rearranging to improve flow and make the space feel inviting. For homes that are empty or partially moved out, we bring in the necessary furniture and accessories to create a warm, welcoming environment.”
Cleanliness is paramount in the staging process. From dust-free vents to sparkling windows, every detail is meticulously addressed. A pristine home signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained, building confidence and trust. We also focus on eliminating any odors and ensuring the space feels fresh and cared for.
Staging goes beyond aesthetics; it’s a strategic move that can significantly impact the sale price, with homes potentially earning $20,000–$50,000 more when staged correctly.
“The most important aspect of staging is cleaning the home, inside and out. A clean home makes people confident that it's been well cared for.”
Paula Fahy Ostop Realtor, Marshall + Ostop Team, William Raveis
Phone: 860.748.1845
Email:Paul.Ostop@raveis.com
Online: Raveis.com/Agent/MarshallandOstopTeam
On Social: @paulafahyostop
Sherri Schwartz:
Mentally Preparing Yourself For a Home Sale
Selling a home is often an emotional journey, especially since it holds so many personal memories. To make objective decisions throughout the process, it’s crucial to emotionally detach from the property. Emotional attachment can cloud judgment when it comes to setting a realistic price, handling negotiations, and accepting offers. To approach the sale more rationally, sellers should focus on external factors such as market trends, recent comparable sales, and local inventory and demand, rather than personal feelings. Understanding the true financial value of the home helps sellers avoid overpricing based on nostalgia or sentimental value.
To emotionally prepare for selling, it’s helpful to reframe the home as an asset, not just a personal sanctuary. This shift in perspective allows sellers to make decisions that align with their long-term goals and future plans. Relying on a professional Realtor's pricing strategy and expertise also offers valuable guidance in setting a competitive price and navigating negotiations. By embracing the sale as a step toward new opportunities, rather than a loss, sellers can move forward with clarity and confidence. Emotional detachment is key to successfully selling a home and making choices that will benefit their financial future.
Sherri Schwartz - Realtor, Coldwell Banker
Phone: 860.883.0178
Email: SherriSchwartz@coldwellbankermoves.com
Online: sherrischwartz-realestate.com
On Social: sherrischwartzrealestate
Selling a home can be an overwhelming experience, but working with an experienced, knowledgeable real estate agent, one who knows the emotional and financial hurdles that can arise, makes the process so much easier.