Hello

Lebanon

New Hampshire

ISSN: 3065-6958

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M A G A Z I N E

Lebanon

America’s Video Magazine

HelloLebanon is a video magazine containing information of interest to residents and visitors.

Summer Issue 2025 | ISSN: 3065-6958

4 | HelloLebanon, New Hampshire • Summer Issue

Hello Lebanon, New Hampshire • Summer Issue | 5

How to Get Your House Ready for the Market

Preparing a home for sale is more than a quick clean before the first open house. It is a step-by-step process that can influence how quickly your property sells and at what price. Buyers form their first impressions within seconds of seeing a home, both in person and online. By carefully preparing your house before it hits

the market, you can make it stand out from similar listings and appeal to the widest range of potential buyers.
The first thing to focus on is curb appeal. This is the overall look and feel of your home from the street. A tidy yard, trimmed bushes, and fresh mulch can make a difference even before a buyer

6 | HelloLebanon, New Hampshire • Summer Issue

How to Get Your House Ready for the Market

Preparing a home for sale is more than a quick clean before the first open house. It is a step-by-step process that can influence how quickly your property sells and at what price. Buyers form their first impressions within seconds of seeing a home, both in person and online. By carefully preparing your house before it hits the market, you can make it stand out from similar listings and appeal to the widest range of potential buyers.
The first thing to focus on is curb appeal. This is the overall look and feel of your home from the street. A tidy yard, trimmed bushes, and fresh mulch can make a difference even before a buyer walks through the door. Repainting the front door in a welcoming but neutral color can add warmth. Power washing the driveway and walkways removes stains and gives a well-cared-for appearance. Planting seasonal flowers near the entry can make the home feel fresh and inviting, especially in photos. These details send a signal that the home has been maintained, which can boost buyer confidence.
Once inside, decluttering is essential. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in the space, and personal items make that harder. Remove family photos, collections, and anything overly specific to your tastes. Too much furniture can make rooms feel smaller, so store extra pieces off-site if possible. Think of this stage as editing your home to show off its best features without distractions. Even items you use daily, like small kitchen appliances or toiletries, should be stored out of sight for showings to keep surfaces clear and appealing.
Deep cleaning is the next step. This goes beyond standard housekeeping. Shampoo carpets, scrub tile grout, and clean windows until they sparkle. Pay attention to often-overlooked spots like baseboards, ceiling fans, vents, and behind appliances. A spotless home not only looks better but also suggests that it has been cared for over time. For some sellers, hiring a professional cleaning service for that first deep clean can be worth the investment, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Small repairs can have a big impact. Fix leaky faucets, replace burnt-out lightbulbs, and touch up chipped paint. Loose cabinet handles or squeaky doors can create an impression of neglect, even if the home is otherwise in great condition. A fresh coat of paint in neutral colors is one of the most cost-effective updates. Neutral tones appeal to a broader audience and allow buyers to envision their own style in the space. Even updating outdated light fixtures or swapping old outlet covers for new ones can subtly modernize a room without major expense.
Staging is another important element. This does not necessarily mean renting furniture or hiring a professional, although those can be worthwhile in some cases. It can also mean arranging existing furniture to highlight the flow of a room, adding simple décor like fresh flowers, and making sure each space has a clear purpose. A staged home photographs better, which is important since most buyers begin their search online. Rooms should feel open yet functional, with no confusion about how the space could be used.
Lighting plays a major role in how a home feels. Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light. In darker rooms, add lamps or replace dim bulbs with brighter, warm-toned options. Good lighting makes spaces look larger and more inviting. Mirrors can also help bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter and more open.
A well-prepared home not only attracts more buyers but can also lead to stronger offers and a quicker sale.
Once the home is ready, it is important to maintain its condition throughout the listing period. Keep the lawn mowed, surfaces dusted, and bathrooms clean. You may need to be ready for last-minute showings, so maintaining that “ready-to-show” state can make the process smoother. Some sellers find it helpful to create a quick 15-minute routine for tidying up before leaving the house each day, ensuring it is always presentable.
Pricing also plays a role in how the preparation pays off. Even the most beautiful home can sit on the market if priced too high. A real estate professional can help determine a fair and competitive price based on comparable sales, seasonal trends, and current market conditions. The right balance of preparation and realistic pricing often produces the best results.
In the end, preparing a home for the market is about creating a welcoming, neutral environment where buyers can picture themselves living. The effort put into curb appeal, cleaning, repairs, and staging can influence both the speed of the sale and the final price. Sellers who invest the time to get their homes market-ready often find the process less stressful and the results more rewarding.

Vanessa Stone

photos. These details send a signal that the home has been maintained, which can boost buyer confidence.
Once inside, decluttering is essential. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in the space, and personal items make that harder. Remove family photos, collections, and anything overly specific to your tastes. Too much furniture can make rooms feel smaller, so store extra pieces off-site if possible. Think of this stage as editing your home to show off its best features without distractions. Even items you use daily, like small kitchen appliances or toiletries, should be stored out of sight for...

walks through the door. Repainting the front door in a welcoming but neutral color can add warmth. Power washing the driveway and walkways removes stains and gives a well-cared-for appearance. Planting seasonal flowers near the entry can make the home feel fresh and inviting, especially in

A well-prepared home not only attracts more buyers but can also lead to stronger offers and a quicker sale.

About the Author

Vanessa Stone is the Owner and Principal Broker of Vanessa Stone Real Estate, bringing over 30 years of experience to the Upper Valley market. A graduate of Plymouth State College with a degree in Business Management, she holds a GRI designation and has been recognized as REALTOR® of the Year by the Hanover–Lebanon Board of REALTORS®. Vanessa has also served on the Board of Directors and key committees within the organization.

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Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Lebanon who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in

the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.

14 | HelloLebanon, New Hampshire • Summer Issue

Hometown Heroes

Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Lebanon who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.