08/21/2026
Patty Blackwelder explains the biggest mistake homeowners are making right now in today’s real estate market.
The open house visitor asked Patty. “How do you get homes to look so good when you put them in the market for sale? They all look so nice. “
His concern was this. Our home is lived in!
That’s when Patty explained that when you list your home for sale in today’s local Prince William County Virginia real estate market you need to time to prepare your home.
✅ Purge all excess items
✅ Your moving, pack things up that you do not use everyday.
✅ Rent a storage locker or box things up and stack in basement storage room
✅ Hire a cleaner to Deep Clean the house.
✅ If the house needs interior or exterior paint. Get it done.
✅ Home sellers need a plan of action.
✅ Sellers need at least two months on average to get their home ready to sell.
✅ Seasonal maintenance items need to be addressed before your list. For example. If you know you want to sell in 2027. You need to walk around the outside of your home now at the end of summer. Schedule painters, caulking that needs to be done and any exterior repairs. Those cannot be done once weather drops below 55*. Fixing those things could save you thousands!
This is why you need a trained eye to help you. Most home sellers think you can just straighten up the closets, take some photos and place a sign and the house will sell.
Not normally. Attention to details matter! When you present your home to the buying public, sellers have one chance to make a great first impression. A home buyer looks at the home online before they ever step foot inside. Professional photos are a must, matching lightbulbs ( the hue) must match. Everything needs to be off the counters, and all clutter removed. Your home becomes a product to be SOLD. It needs to appeal to as many buyers as possible. Our team helps point out the tiny details that really matter to help you garner your maximum reward at the closing table.
Message us for help. It would be an honor to assist you with your home sale.
Patty Blackwelder Twins Selling Real Estate & Associates | SAMSON Properties Woodbridge VA
Equal Housing Opportunity