Selling Your Home in Lakeville MN? Your Graduation Party Prep Is Your Seller Checklist | Liz Sandwick
By Liz Sandwick, REALTOR® · Coldwell Banker Realty · Lakeville, MN
This past weekend, we hosted my daughter’s high school graduation party at our home. About 60 guests, our three-car garage thrown wide open, the backyard decked out — the whole production. We spent the better part of two weeks getting the outside of our house ready.
Right before guests arrived, my neighbor walked over, looked around, and said: “Are you guys moving?”
I laughed. But honestly? That was the best thing she could have said.
Because here’s the thing: everything we did to get our home party-ready? It’s the exact same exterior prep list I give every single one of my sellers before we go on the market in Lakeville.
The graduation party prep list that doubles as a seller checklist
You already know how to do this. You’ve done it before a big gathering, before the holidays, before family came to town. The difference is that when you do it before listing your home, those same efforts translate directly into stronger first impressions — and stronger first impressions drive better offers.
Here’s what we tackled, and what I walk through with my sellers every time:
Fresh mulch in the garden beds
This is one of the highest-ROI moves in real estate prep. A few bags of mulch transforms tired flower beds, photographs beautifully, and signals to buyers that the property has been maintained. It’s inexpensive and takes an afternoon.
Seal the driveway
A freshly sealed driveway looks practically new. Buyers in Lakeville notice driveways — it’s one of the first things they see pulling up. Fresh sealcoating communicates care and maintenance, which sets the tone before they even step inside.
Power wash the siding and windows
You genuinely won’t believe the difference until you see it. Years of Lakeville winters leave a film on siding and screens. A pressure washer rental for an afternoon brightens the entire exterior and makes listing photos pop.
Plant fresh flowers at the entry
Color draws the eye. A few pots of seasonal flowers at the front door create an inviting entry that buyers remember — and that photographs beautifully in MLS listings. First impressions happen before buyers even open the door.
Stage the garage
In Minnesota, buyers take garages seriously. Clean it out, sweep the floor, clear the walls, and make it feel spacious. A tidy garage communicates storage, organization, and value. It matters more than most sellers expect.
Refresh every outdoor living space
Patio, deck, side yard — whatever outdoor space you have, make it feel intentional. When buyers can picture themselves relaxing on your deck on a summer evening, they don’t just see a house. They see their life.
First impressions drive offers
When my neighbor thought we were moving, it confirmed we had nailed the exterior. That reaction — that moment of genuine pause — is exactly what you want from buyers pulling up to your home for a showing.
In today’s Lakeville market, strong curb appeal can be the difference between a home that sits and a home that sells in days. I average 23 days on market and a 98% list-to-sale ratio, and exterior prep is a meaningful piece of why.
Thinking about selling this summer?
Whether you’re relocating for work, right-sizing now that the kids have launched, or simply ready for your next chapter, I’d love to walk through your home and show you exactly what we’d focus on to maximize your sale. A free home valuation is a great place to start.
Liz Sandwick, REALTOR® GRI, e-PRO
Coldwell Banker Realty · Lakeville, MN · LizSandwick.com