Wisconsin Realtor Cathy Lacy Says Take Time to Prepare a Home for Sale

Taking the time to prepare your home before putting it on the market can save homeowners time and money. “Some homeowners — especially in hot housing markets — assume that they can list their home as-is and still get top dollar,” said Lacy. “But putting just a little energy into making minor improvements can go a long way.” 

Some of the preparations that Lacy suggests for her clients include deep cleaning, new paint, installing updated appliances, basic landscaping, and professional staging. While these can cost homeowners extra money and time before the home is listed, they can ultimately benefit them in three big ways: 

No. 1: More money from the sale. It is no secret that a clean, updated, visually appealing home will appeal to more buyers than a property in subpar condition. “Homes that are in impeccable condition often sell for more than their original listing price,” Lacy noted. 

No. 2: A quicker selling process. Waiting for months to find a buyer — not to mention having to repeatedly leave one’s home for showings — is a hassle. “Homes that are prepared for sale typically spend a shorter time on the market,” added Lacy. 

No. 3: Higher owner and buyer satisfaction. A well-presented home fosters a sense of pride for the homeowner, and generates more excitement for the buyer. “This translates into a better buyer/owner relationship, and a smoother selling process,” stated Lacy.                                             

Lacy, with nearly 35 years of experience, also stressed the importance that pictures and video play in the selling process. Home buyers often get their first impression of a home through an online listing, where visual defects can become readily apparent. 

“I love crafting the perfect online listing for each of my properties,” concluded Lacy. “Homes that have been loved and cared for shine through to potential buyers, and make them eager to view the property in person.” 

About Cathy Lacy, DwellHop Real Estate

During the course of her distinguished career, Cathy Lacy has helped everyone from first-time home buyers and growing families to retirees looking to downsize. She is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative, Graduate, Realtor Institute and Certified Residential Specialist. Cathy serves Madison, Middleton, Verona, Waunakee, Mount Horeb, Oregon, McFarland, Ridgeway, Dodgeville, Spring Green, Mazomanie. For more information, please call 608-213-3979, or visit https://www.dwellhop.com/cathy_lacy. DwellHop Real Estate is located at 2208 Regent St., Madison, WI 53726.

For media inquiries, please call the NALA at 805.650.6121, ext. 361.