After 15+ years of selling homes in Lakeville, I’ve seen what makes a difference when it
comes to getting a home sold quickly and for the right price — and what doesn’t.
Here are the 5 things that consistently move the needle for Lakeville sellers, and 2 things
that sound like good ideas but rarely pay off.
5 Things That Make a Real Difference
1.) Deep clean everything — including the things you don’t notice anymore
You’ve lived in your home for years. You don’t notice the soap scum on the shower door,
the fingerprints on the stainless appliances, or the film on the inside of the windows.
Buyers notice all of it. A professional deep clean before photos are taken is one of the
highest-return investments a seller can make. Plan for $200–$400 depending on home size
— worth every penny.
2.) Declutter ruthlessly
Buyers need to picture their life in your home. The more your belongings fill the space, the
harder that is. Go through every room — including closets, the garage, and the basement
— and remove anything that isn’t essential. Rent a storage unit if you need to. Lighter,
cleaner spaces photograph better and feel larger in person.
3.) Address the small repairs you’ve been ignoring
That dripping faucet. The cracked outlet cover. The door that sticks. The missing grout in
the bathroom. None of these are dealbreakers individually, but together they create an
impression of deferred maintenance that gives buyers negotiating ammunition. Go through
the home methodically and fix the small things before you list.
4.) Improve curb appeal — even a little
First impressions happen before buyers walk through the door. In Lakeville, that means a
clean driveway, trimmed grass, tidy landscaping, and a front door that looks welcoming.
Fresh mulch costs $50 and photographs beautifully. A clean front entry sets the tone for
the entire showing.
5.) Price it right from day one
This is the most important thing on this list by a significant margin. A home that is priced
accurately on day one attracts maximum buyer attention in the critical first 7–10 days on
the market. That’s when showings are most frequent, interest is highest, and multiple
offers are most likely.
I know it can be tempting to price high and “see what happens.” What happens is that the
home sits, accumulates days on market, and eventually sells for less than it would have
with accurate pricing from the start. Every time.
2 Things to Skip
1.) Major renovations before listing
Kitchen and bathroom renovations rarely return their full cost in a sale. A $30,000 kitchen
remodel might add $15,000–$20,000 in value — if you’re lucky. In most cases, buyers
would rather buy at a lower price and make their own choices about finishes. Focus on
clean and well-maintained, not newly renovated.
2.) Listing before you’re ready
Some sellers rush to list before the home is truly show-ready. This almost always
backfires. First impressions in real estate are formed online — buyers see your photos
before they ever schedule a showing. If the photos are taken before the home is
decluttered, cleaned, and staged, you’ve already lost buyers before they walked through
the door. Take the time to do it right.
Ready to Talk About Your Home?
If you’re thinking about selling your Lakeville home this spring, I’d love to walk through it
with you and tell you exactly what I’d recommend — and what I wouldn’t bother with. Free,
no obligation, no pressure.
Call or text (952) 491-3685 or visit lizsandwick.com.
Liz Sandwick | REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Realty | Lakeville, MN | MN License #40234628
