June 12, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

10 tips to get your home ready to sell

  1. Clear out your personal belongings and declutter.
    It’s a good idea to eliminate clutter and depersonalize the home. You’ll want to neutralize the home so that others can imagine their items in the home. Also remove any furniture that isn’t needed and clean off counters. It will also make the rooms appear neat and larger. 
  2. Give each room a purpose.
    Buyers don’t want to wonder what the room is used for. It is important that each room have one purpose if possible. For instance, don’t set up a room as a bedroom and workout room. Also arrange the furniture in a purposeful way, and in seating groups.
  3. Make your home as move-in ready as possible and highlight the positives. 
    Paint is generally inexpensive and can help neutralize spaces and highlights features. If the view is amazing make sure you open the blinds and pull back any curtains.  
  4. Focus on kitchens and bathrooms. 
    These two areas are high on the list for buyers. If you are going to spend money on upgrades, these are the two areas where you will want to impress.
  5. Consider adding smart home upgrades. 
    Some studies show up to 65% of buyers are willing to pay more for homes that have these features. The most desirable items are programmable thermostats, lighting and security devices. 
  6. Look at curb appeal.
    First impressions are important. Add some landscaping for added value. At the least, clean and tidy the landscaping that is already present and add some flowers for color. A fresh coat of paint on the door and new welcome mat are nice touches as well.
  7. Repair necessary items
    Homes that are in good condition sell easier. Walk through your home and look for maintenance items. Make sure to replace broken windows and fix any leaks.
  8. Organize closets.
    Your closets tell the story of if you have enough storage in your home or not. Remove any unnecessary items and organize everything.
  9. Clean. 
    Vacuuming and dusting are a must, but don’t miss the deep cleaning. Make sure not to forget light fixtures, faucets and ceiling fan blades.
  10. Call your Realtor
    It’s important to get guidance. Hiring the right Real Estate Professional can make all the difference. Your Realtor will guide you through the whole process from prepping, pricing and marketing to negotiating and handling the after contract details. 
in People
Banner
Related Posts

‘Her heart was golden’ — Short loses battle with cancer

June 10, 2019

June 10, 2019

Nine years ago, Sarah Logan Loomis raised her hand at a meeting of parents. The meeting was for her daughter,...

Employees help co-worker during time of need

February 8, 2021

February 8, 2021

The staff at the St. Joseph Subway wanted to help April Patton. Manager Adam Porter said his co-worker said she...

Foundation created to honor Oberheim

June 9, 2021

June 9, 2021

The family of Police Officer Chris Oberheim is working to develop a not-for-profit foundation. The foundation name was announced Tuesday...

“It couldn’t be done” read by Erica Guelfi

June 16, 2020

June 16, 2020

It Couldn’t Be DoneBY EDGAR ALBERT GUESTSomebody said that it couldn’t be done      But he with a chuckle repliedThat “maybe it couldn’t,”...

Kids say… what does a farmer do?

December 22, 2019

December 22, 2019

This week we asked students at St. Joseph Grade School to tell us what they think a farmer does. What...

10 Things You Don’t Know about me… Sharon Jeffers

March 20, 2019

March 20, 2019

I have two grown and married children, Logan/Tressica and Lauren/Kris, and two beautiful grandchildren Weston, and Emma I grew up...

‘Girl Scouts is not all arts and crafts’

January 19, 2023

January 19, 2023

” Hannah Fox wanted to help feed her community. And for her Girl Scout Gold Award she attempted to do...

SJO community mourns death of Chris Knipfer: ‘He truly had a heart of gold’

November 22, 2019

November 22, 2019

Chris Knipfer always wanted to help. “He would do anything for anyone,” said Jason Retz, the cross-country coach at St....

10 Things You Don’t Know about me… Casey Phillips

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

Casey Phillips is active in the St. Joseph Women’s Club, a mom to two girls, a dental assistant and helps...

‘There is no one more deserving of this honor’

June 26, 2020

June 26, 2020

Glenn Fisher loves St. Joseph-Ogden High School. For decades, Fisher’s main concern was that the facilities and sports fields at...

Passion for fitness inspires Hixson’s JustBfit class

September 17, 2019

September 17, 2019

Brenda Hixson likes to help people be fit. Hixson created a fitness program that meets at St. Joseph Grade School...

Van Buskirk reflects on successful expo

May 1, 2019

May 1, 2019

Dawn Van Buskirk loves the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon. Van Buskirk has been involved with the marathon since it started...

Kidd hopes to ‘Gather the Good’ on blog

January 22, 2019

January 22, 2019

Nancy Kidd knows there is good in all people. The St. Joseph resident said that as a former juvenile detention...

Senior spotlight.. Bailey Dowling

August 13, 2019

August 13, 2019

Every week we ask an SJO senior five questions. This week we spoke to Bailey Dowling. What do you want...

Sign ‘em up: Wagners to change locations in downtown St. Joseph

October 4, 2019

October 4, 2019

Jim and Jen Wagner want to invest in St. Joseph because the community has invested in them. “Community support is...

Comments
Leave a Reply