It's your agent's job to help you identify what you need to do to prepare your apartment for sale in order to command the highest price possible. For most sellers, this involves, at a minimum, a lot of decluttering to make apartment feel better and to depersonalize it so that buyers can envision themselves living there. Strive to be as objective and dispassionate as you can, relying on the advice of your agent, who has no sentimental attachment to your belongings and, like you, wants to maximize sales price. (For more, see 11 tips from top designers on staging your apartment for sale and 10 staging mistakes that can cost you a sale)
Depending on the condition and appearance of your home, you may need to do some repainting, regrouting, and even minor renovations (such as replacing a bathroom sink or kitchen countertops, refinishing floors, or upgrading appliances). Your agent may do some restaging themselves (think throws, pillows and faux plants) or may recommend that you hire a stager to rearrange your possessions and fill them in with borrowed items to maximize the aesthetic appeal of your space. Expect to spend around $10,000 to stage a one-bedroom apartment using a professional stager.
Painting your interiors in a fresh, neutral tone is a low-cost, high-impact way to freshen and update your space for sale. It will make your place feel newer, cleaner and better maintained. (See What shade of white should paint your apartment if you’re trying to sell?
Townhouse owner should make sure outdoor spaces are fresh and appealing too, and remember to keep the stoop broomswept at all showings.