How to Maximize Your Home’s Value Before Listing
Are you getting ready to sell your home in the Minneapolis area? Whether you’re in a historic neighborhood like Tangletown or Linden Hills, or a desirable suburb like Edina or Wayzata, buyers are on the lookout for homes that feel move-in ready, well-cared for and thoughtfully presented.
With the right updates, tailored to what buyers actually value, you can maximize your home’s appeal and increase it’s selling price without a full renovation. A little strategic prep goes on a long way in today’s market.
Here are six high-impact ways to boost your home’s value before you list.
Enhance Curb Appeal For All Four Seasons
In a city where your front yard goes from leafy and lush to snow-covered and icy, your curb appeal needs to work year-round. Buyers often drive by before scheduling a showing, so making the exterior feel welcoming and well-maintained is key.
Fresh mulch, neatly trimmed hedges and seasonal planters can instantly warm up the exterior in spring and summer. In fall and winter, a shoveled walkway, warm porch lighting and a tidy entry make your home feel well-maintained and inviting.
A few other tips:
Power wash siding, sidewalks and steps
Repaint or replace your front door (if it’s needed)
Swap outdated house numbers or light fixtures for something more modern
Add a new welcome mat or seasonal wreath for a polished touch
Update the Right Spaces
You don’t need to renovate your entire kitchen or gut the bathroom, but making small, strategic updates can go a long way. Focus on changes that make your home feel fresh, functional and move-in ready.
Easy, high-impact updates can include:
Painting walls in light, neutral colors like warm whites, soft taupes or gentle gray tones. It helps buyers see the home as a blank canvas.
Swap out cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures for a more modern feel
Replace outdated faucets and mirrors in bathrooms
Refresh tile grout or re-caulk for a clean, polished finish
If your kitchen appliances are very outdated, consider upgrading to stainless steel or energy-efficient options, as they tend to stand out in listing photos and have a stronger appeal to today’s buyers.
Declutter and Stage Thoughtfully
Staging isn’t just for luxury listings. It’s one of the most effective ways to help buyers connect with your home and envision themselves living there.
Start by removing personal items like family photos, bold art or overly unique decor. Then, focus on creating open, functional spaces that showcase each room’s potential. Even simple changes like rearranging furniture, adding fresh bedding or swapping out dated curtains can make a significant impact.
In Minneapolis, where natural light is limited during the winter months, maximizing brightness is crucial. Use mirrors to reflect light, opt for sheer window treatments and keep window sills clear.
Bonus tip: a cozy reading nook, a workspace in a spare bedroom or a mudroom area with hooks and storage benches can go a long way with buyers looking for a functional space.
Take Care of Repairs and Maintenance
Buyers will notice when things aren’t working properly, and even small issues will have them wondering what else might be wrong.
Before listing, walk through your home with fresh eyes. Make a checklist of everything that needs fixing, no matter how small. Leaky faucets, chipped paint, loose doorknobs, squeaky hinges or slow drains should all be addressed. These little things might not seem like much, but together they add up.
Also, consider getting a pre-listing home inspection. It’s optional, but it can help you uncover potential red flags before a buyer’s inspector finds them. That means fewer surprises and possibly a smoother negotiation process.
Don’t Overlook Your Online Presence
The vast majority of buyers start their home search online, which means your listing photos need to stand out. This is why professional photography is worth every penny. Good lighting, wide-angle lenses and thoughtful staging can completely change how a room feels in photos.
In today’s market, especially for busy buyers, virtual tours, video walkthroughs and even drone footage can help boost engagement. These tools give buyers a better sense of the layout and flow of your home (and make your listing more memorable!).
Your agent will also help you craft a compelling listing description. Be sure to highlight features that resonate locally, like a finished basement (a big bonus for colder months), three-season porches, proximity to lakes or parks, or energy-efficient upgrades.
Price It Right From The Start
Even the most beautifully prepped home won’t sell if it’s overpriced. Setting the price right is a mix of market data, local knowledge and timing - and it’s something you want to get right from the get-go.
Your agent will run a comparative market analysis to look at similar homes that have recently sold in your neighborhood. From there, you can craft a pricing strategy based on market demand and the unique features your home offers.
Pricing too high can lead to your listing sitting longer, which may result in a price drop later. Pricing it right will help generate interest quickly and potentially lead to multiple offers.
Let’s Make Selling Simple (and Maybe Even Fun)
Selling a home is a big undertaking, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Our team of agents is here to guide you every step of the way. We know the Twin Cities market inside and out, and we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners prepare, price and sell their homes with confidence.
Whether your house needs a full refresh or a few finishing touches, we’ll help you focus on the updates that matter most. From curb appeal tips to market-savvy pricing, we’ll make sure your home is in tip-top shape to hit the market and attract the right buyer.
And yes, we believe the process should feel as smooth (and dare we say, fun?) as possible. To get in touch with someone on our real estate team, send us a message here.