Park City Home Selling Q&A

March 21st, 2023 | Selling

Getting ready to sell your house or at least thinking about it? Either way, there is no time like the present to get going on those projects that, at the very least, could result in a thorough spring cleaning! We know how much there is to consider, do and plan for when it comes to selling your home, so ahead of our glorious summer season – always one of the best times to list your home! — we’re here to answer some of your most burning questions and point you in the right direction as you begin your home-selling journey.  

Do I need to update my home? And what’s the best bang for my buck?

Yes! With asking prices at an all-time high, most of today’s buyers are looking for turn-key purchase, not a project. You know all those things you’ve always wanted to change in your home? Now’s the chance! 

For the time and value, focus your attention on the kitchen and bathrooms. Consider new countertops and appliances in the kitchen. If the cabinets are outdated, options include refacing the doors and adding new hardware. In the bathroom, update the vanity, tub and shower with new plumbing fixtures, modern hardware and perhaps a new mirror and lighting.

New flooring throughout the home is a worthy investment, as is a fresh coat of paint. Trend toward neutral colors and refresh the space with updated light fixtures. Refinishing hardwood floors and decks, fresh window treatments and professionally cleaned windows can go a long way. And don’t forget your garage! A new garage door, epoxy floors and great organizational options can turn it into a show piece, instantly improve the curb appeal of your home. 


Curious about selling your Park City home with CMFH? Read these resources next to learn more about our selling process:


Is it worth making big-ticket repairs?

For bigger, known issues like a damaged roof or a broken AC unit, you generally have two options: Make the repairs and foot the bill yourself, or adjust your price accordingly. Most buyers won’t pay top-dollar if they know there are big, expensive projects waiting for them.

If possible, get ahead on the repairs with a seller’s inspection. A home inspector can evaluate your home for potential issues and problems, and an inspection generally a few hundred dollars. You can then use the inspector’s report as a guide for your pre-listing repair projects. Not only can this make your home more marketable, but also it can prevent time-consuming inspection delays later on in the process.

Keep reading for our top 10 touchups before you list your home here.

I’m not looking to remodel my house, but I do want to make it irresistible! What are some inexpensive options to make my house appealing to buyers?

  • Focus on cleaning and decluttering! Clear off the counters, pack up and store items you don’t need for the next few months. Say good-bye to faux plants, store sentimental dust-catching nick knacks and keepsakes. A good rule of thumb: Put away/store one third of your things.
  • De-personalize your space: The more personal stuff you have in your house, the less that potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Continuing with the first tip listed above, put away family photos, memorabilia collections and personal keepsakes.
  • Display half-empty closets: Storage is a premium selling point for every buyer, so show off your generous closets by take half your stuff out and neatly organize what’s left. Storing your seasonal clothing and create a magic closet makeover with 100-percent matching slim-line velvet hangers. Buyers will look, so be sure to keep all closets and cabinets clean and tidy.
  • Dress up your bed: Make up beds in hotel bedding, namely crisp white sheets, and create a layered look with a cozy duvet or comforter with complementary throw pillows and a soft blanket. If you don’t have a stylish headboard, create the illusion of one with a tapestry or artwork, shelving or curtains. 
  • Up your curb appeal, literally: Freshen any yard beds with new mulch, add flowers in planters, clean outdoor light fixtures, power wash and or freshen exterior paint, have screens and windows professionally cleaned. 
  • More tips to consider: A few new light fixtures can make a fantastic impact. Paint all interiors with off-white or neutral paint. Add large mirrors to open up and lighten dark rooms.      

If I do all of the above, will I recover the costs?

Yes, but please keep in mind that all projects need to be complete, and the house must be spotless for photos and the MLS listing. Our new, high-resolution photography can even detect water spots on windows, so it matters to have your house gleaming!

When is the best time to put my home on the market?

Here in Park City, we’re lucky that we have two terrific seasons to showcase homes for sale: winter and summer. It makes sense that homes in a ski-resort town get great traffic in the winter when visitors are here enjoying winter sports and activities, and they’re looking for a second home or vacation property. But spring and summer often see a return of these buyers, making our warmer weather a great time to list homes as well, particularly in outlying neighborhoods. Potential buyers cannot fully appreciate how gorgeous Park City is until they see it in summer. 

Who are the buyers in a so-called “sellers’ market?”

In a “sellers’ market,” buyers have urgency and motivation, and they’re also both primary- and second-home buyers. Potential buyers that we look for in particular are those who’ve been looking for a while and have seen the market increase over the months of their indecision.

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What six things don’t I know about listing my home?

  1. The initial days of your listing are the MOST important. You only have one chance to make a great first impression.
  2. Buyers DO judge a book by its cover: No matter how great your interiors look, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. That said, aim to make people feel warm, welcome and safe as they approach the house. Spruce up the exterior with inexpensive shrubs and brightly colored flowers. Entryways are also important. Make yours welcoming by adding a small bench and a vase of fresh-cut flowers.
  3. Do NOT use a higher-than-market list price to “test the market.” This has been tested, and it’s also what sold comparables show. Trust your Realtor® to help you price your home correctly.
  4. List your house with an agent or team that is experienced and knowledgeable in your area, and choose one known for its high-level of service, success and great reputation. Do NOT list with an agent just because they suggest a high list price for your house. A reputable real estate team will make sure the top-producing listing agents devote time and energy to selling your property, while an expert staff will assist with specific details and tasks of your transaction.
  5. Have your home professionally inspected and measured prior to listing to avoid opening the door to any re-negotiating. 
  6. Be prepared! This includes being ready to answer all sorts of questions coming your way from potential buys. Consider crafting your response to questions including: Why are you selling? Any nuisances or hazards to be aware of (traffic congestion, noise, crime, problem neighbors, natural hazards, etc.)? What’s the age and condition of parts of the house (i.e., the roof)? Have there been any major repairs or renovations, and if so, when and by whom?

Is it true that Park City is “built out,” and what does that really mean?

Park City proper (within our city limits) was carefully and thoughtfully zoned in the l980s. For the most part, the overall zoning parameters have held firm, which is why our mountainsides are pristine, there are no gas stations next to homes, and everyone knows ahead of time what can be built and where. Today, there are very few unbuilt lots in all of Thaynes Canyon and within the Park City limits. ParkCity.org has a great information about our wonderful small town, future plans, commitment to open space and maps for more details.  

Looking for more reasons to love Park City? Read our post 7 Undeniable Reasons to Call Park City Home right here.

I want my best friends and adult children to move to Park City. How can we make that happen?

Referrals account for 85 percent of all our business, and we take them very seriously. We treat referrals with love and respect, and we’d welcome contact information for anyone that you would like us to reach out to. If you do, those loved ones might be here sooner than you think!

Why do I need the Chin|MacQuoid|Fleming|Harris team in my life?

When buying or selling what could be the largest investment of your life, it’s essential to work with professionals whom you trust and like, and who also happen to be the top-producing real estate team in Park City. That perfectly describes CMFH!

If you’re looking for top-notch Park City home selling advice, contact us today at 435-647-8035 or email info@cmfhparkcity.com.

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