Home Maintenance Jake Aspinwall May 15, 2025
Spring is the busiest selling season on Bainbridge Island: time for homeowners to refresh, declutter and stage their homes so they shine in a crowded spring buying season. A few simple maintenance and staging strategies can make a powerful first impression and help your home sell faster and for a higher price.
Wash down exteriors, patios and decks. Clean windows, polish floors and wipe down surfaces throughout the house. Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms – buyers expect every corner to feel spotless. Shampoo carpets, dust baseboards and banish any lingering odors to give visitors an impeccable experience.
Clear out personal mementos, extra furniture and decor to create more open space and allow buyers to imagine their own lives in the home. Tidy closets, leaving 20–30 % of the space empty to showcase storage potential. Stowing away family photos and keepsakes makes rooms feel neutral, calm and welcoming.
First impressions begin at the curb. Power‑wash siding, walkways and windows, and repaint or stain the deck. Trim trees and shrubs, manicure the lawn and add potted plants around the entryway. Updating a front door and doormat and adding a cheerful planter can transform the entrance into an inviting focal point.
Home staging is the time to address minor details that might distract buyers. Touch up paint, repair scuffed walls and tighten loose hardware. Replace burned‑out light bulbs and fix leaky faucets. A well‑maintained home signals care and quality.
Swap out heavy winter tones for a light, neutral palette. Use white or pastel slipcovers, curtains and rugs to brighten rooms and highlight natural light. Add a bouquet of fresh flowers to the kitchen or dining table for a splash of color and fragrance. Accent pillows and artwork in soft blues, yellows or corals can enliven the space without overpowering it.
Not every room needs a full makeover. Concentrate your efforts on the living room, primary bedroom and kitchen – the spaces buyers care about most. Arrange furniture to highlight views, fireplace or open floor plans. In bedrooms, simplify bedding and add lamps for warmth. In kitchens, clear counters and stage fresh produce or stylish serveware to evoke entertaining possibilities.
Staging isn’t just visual; it’s about creating an atmosphere. Houseplants and herbs add life and help purify the air. Subtle essential oils or diffusers can leave a gentle, pleasant scent. Keep the temperature comfortable and make sure there’s plenty of natural light during showings.
Spring cleaning and staging show buyers that your Bainbridge Island home is cared for and move‑in ready. By investing a little time and attention now, you’ll not only stand out in a competitive market – you’ll also inspire higher offers and a faster sale. If you’d like personalized advice on preparing your home for the spring market, I’d be happy to help.
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