Better Homeowners
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Discover Ways to Make Your Home More Marketable - 8/5/2026

If you're thinking about selling your home, whether soon or sometime down the road, taking a few smart steps now can significantly boost its appeal and market value.

Today's buyers are selective, and the little things matter. Here are 12 proven strategies to help your home shine, attract strong offers, and sell faster:

1. Deep Clean & Declutter - A spotless home feels bigger and more inviting. Less clutter lets buyers imagine their own life there.

2. Neutralize Paint Colors - Fresh, light, neutral walls help rooms feel brighter and more spacious and appeal to more buyers.

3. Knock Out Minor Repairs - Fix squeaky doors, loose handles, and leaky faucets. Small fixes make a big difference in perceived value.

4. Maximize Natural Light - Open blinds, clean windows, and brighten dark areas with lamps or higher-wattage bulbs.

5. Boost Curb Appeal - Trim landscaping, clean walkways, and touch up paint. First impressions are made at the curb.

6. Stage Thoughtfully - Simple staging, like fresh towels or a set dining table, shows your home at its best.

7. Invest in Great Photos - Professional listing photos grab attention and can drive more showings...online views matter!

8. Organize Home Records
Maintenance logs, warranties, and utility info build trust and answer common buyer questions.

9. Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection - Find and fix problems before buyers do—this can smooth negotiations and avoid surprises.

10. Price It Strategically - Work with your agent to set a price based on local data, not wishful thinking.

11. Be Flexible with Showings - More availability means more eyes on your home—and potentially a quicker sale.

12. Think Like a Buyer - Walk through your home as if seeing it for the first time. What would impress you?

There's a reason some homes sell faster and often for more than others. In every neighborhood and price point, listings are competing for buyers' attention, and those that stand out tend to be well-prepared, move-in ready, and thoughtfully presented. Buyers want to feel like they're getting the most value for their money, especially in today's market.

Many aren't equipped, or willing, to take on the time, cost, and uncertainty of renovations or repairs. A clean, well-maintained home with neutral finishes and minimal "to-do" items appeals far more than one that needs work. Positioning your home to feel turnkey doesn't just attract more buyers; it can drive stronger offers and a faster sale.

Curious what your home is worth in today's market? I can prepare a personalized market analysis and show you how much equity you may have built. I can also recommend a complement of service providers and contractors.  Let's connect!

DeAnne Ottaway GRI, PMN, RRC, CRS eXp Realty Santa Fe, NM (505) 690-4611 31050 DeAnne brings to eXp Realty a wealth of skill, experience and professionalism. Her education in Marketing and Management are complimentary to her real estate career. She has worked with buyers and sellers of various property types and is a very capable negotiator in any setting. She began her real estate career in Santa Fe and practiced in the Bay Area, specializing in Silicon Valley and most recently in Gold Coast, Australia before returning to Santa Fe. She is an active member of numerous community activities including Chamber of Commerce , Santa Fe Beautiful, National Association of Realtors and Women's Council of Realtors. While in Australia she became a Feng Shui Practitioner. Her pledge to her clients is to communicate in a timely manner at each step of the transaction to minimize concern and inconvenience; to direct all her efforts to accomplish your real estate objectives, whether buying or selling a home; to be consistent in promise and follow-through with action - in short, she treats her clients as she wishes to be treated - with honesty and integrity and the highest level of service. She would like the opportunity to build a relationship of trust with you and to help you with your real estate endeavors in Santa Fe. Contact Me Visit my Website Send a Referral Subscribe to Newsletter