Your home is the biggest investment you’re likely to make in your lifetime. So when it comes time to sell, it makes sense to put in the effort to get a good return.
Most of us have heard the advice to replace personal photos and bold colors with neutral decor so it’s easy for potential buyers to imagine themselves in the home, but a good real estate agent should go further.
“It’s important to identify what makes your home special, and highlight that in the listing. But identifying those unique features and knowing how to showcase them requires a lot of market knowledge and care,” says Jonathan Pearlstein, owner and designated real estate broker of Engel & Völkers Snoqualmie Valley.
With over two decades of experience, Pearlstein has a lot of wisdom to share with his clients. But he takes more pride in the many connections he’s fostered over the years, which serve as a rich resource when preparing a home for market.
“My day is filled with people calling to get connected. Sometimes it’s about real estate, but they may also be calling to see if I know a local auto repair shop or a daycare with spots open. I love being a ‘connector of people,’” he says. “I want to bring my clients the value of those long term relationships.”
Preparing a home is a lot of work
Pearlstein helped one client purchase a home in Fall City, and when it came time to relocate, they asked Pearlstein to assist with the sale.
“Not only did Jonathan educate us on exactly what we needed to do to prepare our house to sell it for the highest price, but he did much of the work for us! He didn’t want us to have to drive back and forth between houses, so he coordinated the painter, the landscaper, the stager, and a handyman to transform our house into one that would ultimately sell in five days, with a waived inspection. He purchased coordinating light bulbs and installed them, he purchased some paint and did touch-ups where needed and he pressure washed our back patio!”
Every home will benefit from different upgrades, but preparing your home for sale generally follows a similar timeline:
- 8 weeks before listing: Choose a listing date, research the local market, and hire a real estate agent.
- 6 weeks before listing: Declutter, deep clean, perform necessary repairs.
- 4 weeks before listing: Prepare photos, virtual tour and other aspects of your listing. Start moving out, or at least putting things in storage.
- 2 weeks before listing: Clean, landscape and complete final preparations.
Thinking of selling your home? Start the conversation with Jonathan Pearlstein by text or phone at 425-444-7899, or email jonathan.pearlstein@engelvoelkers.com. Learn more at jonathanpearlstein.evrealestate.com, and on Facebook and Instagram.
