Morris County sellers often overlook details that can significantly impact a home's marketability, according to Amy Spelker, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty in Madison, NJ, who also brings a decade of interior design experience to her listings. In a recent analysis, Spelker identified three common mistakes that sellers make before going on the market, which can be corrected without major expense.
The first mistake involves horizontal surfaces. Spelker notes that items like stacks of mail, fruit bowls used for junk, and children's backpacks accumulate on counters, console tables, and nightstands, signaling clutter and reducing perceived space. She advises sellers to methodically clear every surface and only return items that enhance the space. Family photos and personal items should be packed away to make the home feel available to new buyers. Additionally, mismatched light bulbs in the same room can create an off-putting effect; replacing all bulbs with warm-toned ones of the same wattage is a simple fix that improves both in-person viewing and photographs.
The second mistake relates to scents and seasonal decorations. Spelker avoids candles in listings because scent is polarizing and can make buyers wonder what is being covered up. Fresh flowers are recommended for visual appeal, but those with heavy fragrances should be avoided. Seasonal staging, such as pumpkins and fall-themed pillows, can date the home and become a liability if the property remains on the market after the season. Instead, Spelker suggests using year-round items like bowls of apples or lemons, and neutral decor in navy or deep taupe for warmth without a seasonal timestamp.
The third mistake is neglecting the exterior. Sellers who focus on interior updates often overlook curb appeal, but buyers form impressions before entering. Common issues include mildew, dirty gutters, overgrown shrubs, and a faded front door. These are inexpensive to fix but register immediately. The front entry should be pristine, with fresh paint, clean hardware, and live seasonal plantings. For fall, mums, zinnias, or ferns are recommended as they hold color through cooler weather.
Spelker emphasizes that sellers often stop seeing their homes as buyers will. Living in a space makes one blind to clutter and quirks. She offers her outside perspective to help sellers prioritize improvements that pay off. For more examples of how properties are presented, visit the Spelker Team’s current listings.
