Tennessee Real Estate Tips: Buying & Selling Made Easy

Step 1: Preparing Your Home for a Successful Sale

1. Declutter & Depersonalize

Buyers need to envision themselves living in your home, and that’s tough to do with personal items everywhere.

✅ Remove family photos, personal collections, and excessive décor.

✅ Organize closets and storage areas—buyers will look inside!

✅ Donate, sell, or store unnecessary furniture to create an open, spacious feel.

2. Deep Clean Every Room

A spotless home signals to buyers that your property has been well-maintained.

✅ Focus on high-impact areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and floors.

✅ Wash windows to let in more natural light.

✅ Consider professional cleaning for carpets and upholstery.

3. Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions matter! A buyer’s experience starts the moment they arrive.

✅ Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and plant fresh flowers.

✅ Power wash sidewalks, driveways, and your home’s exterior if needed.

✅ Add a welcoming touch with a fresh doormat and seasonal decorations.

4. Make Minor Repairs & Updates

Small upgrades can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home.

✅ Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked tiles.

✅ Replace outdated light fixtures or cabinet hardware.

✅ Apply fresh, neutral-colored paint to brighten up rooms.

5. Stage Your Home to Impress

Home staging can make a big difference in how quickly and for how much your home sells.

✅ Arrange furniture to highlight space and functionality.

✅ Set the dining table with simple, elegant place settings.

✅ Add fresh flowers or subtle home scents to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Step 2: Pricing Your Home Right

Even the most beautifully prepared home won’t sell if it’s overpriced. On the flip side, underpricing could leave money on the table. Here’s how to find the right balance.  Keep in mind that discussing your reason for moving will also factor into pricing.  It's important to have clear communication about your needs and goals with your realtor.

1. Understand the Local Market

Real estate markets change constantly, and pricing too high can scare off buyers while pricing too low might make them question the home's value. I conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to evaluate recent sales of similar homes in your area.

2. Compare Similar Homes ("Comps") with Your Agent

To determine your home’s market value, we’ll look at:

✅ Recently sold homes with similar square footage, lot size, and features.

✅ Homes currently on the market—your competition.

✅ Expired listings—homes that were priced too high and didn’t sell.

3. Consider Market Conditions

Are we in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?

✅ Seller’s market: Low inventory means homes sell quickly and often above asking price.

✅ Buyer’s market: More homes for sale means pricing must be competitive.

4. Use Strategic Pricing

Buyers tend to search in pricing brackets (e.g., $350K–$400K). A home listed at $399,900 instead of $405,000 May reach more buyers in search results. There has been some debate on this strategy.  In theory, a home priced at $400K could be shown to buyers searching from $350K-$400K AND buyers searching from $400K-$450K. Pricing at the right psychological price point, with your goals in mind, can help generate more interest.

5. Be Open to Adjustments

If showings are low or offers aren’t coming in, it may be necessary to adjust the price based on buyer feedback and market trends. The goal is to keep your home positioned competitively.  Your agent should discuss a this as part of the initial pricing strategy.  I often have a price reductio schedule included in the agreement that sellers sign with me.

Final Thoughts

A well-prepared and properly priced home attracts more buyers, generates more offers, and sells faster at the best possible price. With my expertise in the Rutherford County market, I can help you through every step of selling your home— from staging and marketing to negotiations and closing.

Thinking about selling? Let’s talk!

📩 Contact me today to get started!