Want to get your Green Valley Ranch home listed next week? You can, and you don’t need a full remodel to make it shine online. With a focused 7-day schedule, a few smart fixes, and pro photos, you’ll be ready to hit the market with confidence. This guide gives you a daily checklist, local rules to know, and realistic cost ranges so you can move fast without missing key details. Let’s dive in.
Your 7-day prep plan
Day 1: Quick assessment and plan
- Walk your property with a notepad or phone camera. Note peeling paint, stains, scuffed trim, sticky doors, burned-out bulbs, and any odors.
- Prioritize tasks into must-fix items, quick cosmetic touchups, and decluttering.
- Call your listing agent, a handyman, a cleaner, and a professional photographer to reserve time. Book early, especially for weekends.
- Gather supplies: touch-up paint, caulk, cleaners, microfiber cloths, and donation boxes.
- For timing and market context, ask your agent to pull local MLS data or consult the Denver Metro Association of REALTORS for current trends.
Time: 1–2 hours. Estimated cost: free to $50 for supplies.
Day 2: Declutter and depersonalize
- Remove excess furniture to open walkways. If needed, store temporarily in a garage or a short-term pod.
- Take down personal photos, collections, and bold decor. Keep neutral accents.
- Clear kitchen and bath counters. Leave one simple item like a plant or bowl.
- Empty trash, purge expired pantry items, and tidy closets and cabinets. Buyers will open them.
- Schedule donations or haulers for midweek pickup.
Time: 3–6 hours. Estimated cost: free to $150.
Day 3: Small repairs and safety checks
- Replace burned-out or mismatched bulbs. Use daylight or soft white in living areas for even light.
- Fix sticking doors, tighten hinges, adjust closet doors, and lubricate sliders.
- Patch nail holes and touch up paint. Full-room repaint only if walls are heavily marked or very bold in color.
- Re-caulk tub, shower, and backsplash seams if dark or cracked.
- Replace or clean HVAC filters. Test smoke and CO detectors.
- Check faucets and toilets for leaks. Replace flappers or handles as needed.
Time: 3–8 hours. Estimated cost: $100–$800 depending on DIY vs. handyman.
Day 4: Deep clean and odor control
- Book a professional deep clean if possible: kitchens, baths, baseboards, interior windows, and carpets.
- Tackle odors at the source. Shampoo carpets, wipe vents, and use odor removers. Avoid heavy fragrances.
- Wash interior and accessible exterior windows. Dust fixtures and clean blinds.
- Launder linens and refresh rugs, especially if you have pets.
Time: 2–6 hours owner or half to full day with pros. Estimated cost: $150–$450 for cleaning; $75–$250 per room for carpet cleaning.
Day 5: Curb appeal and exterior touchups
- Mow and edge the lawn, remove debris, and sweep walks and porch.
- Power wash driveway and siding if visibly dirty. Consider a rental if needed.
- Touch up the front door and trim. Refresh house numbers and mailbox.
- Create a welcoming entry: clean mat, simple potted plants, and a bench or two chairs if space allows.
- Trim shrubs and trees away from windows and walkways.
- For Denver’s climate, favor neat, drought-tolerant plants and clear any lingering winter debris.
Time: 2–6 hours. Estimated cost: $0–$400.
Day 6: Staging and photography prep
- Stage the high-impact rooms: living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and main bath.
- Add light accessories: clean towels, neutral pillows or a throw, and a bowl of fruit or simple flowers.
- On photo day, turn on all lights, open blinds, set the thermostat to a comfortable temp, and hide trash bins.
- Remove cars from the driveway and put away hoses, toys, and tools.
- Review the shot list with your photographer. Include special features like a finished basement, patio, or mountain views.
- Ask your photographer about high-resolution images, MLS-ready cropping, a floor plan, and a Matterport 3D tour. If considering drone photos, remember GVR’s proximity to DIA and verify FAA Part 107 rules and HOA approval before flight.
Time: 2–4 hours prep; 1–3 hours for photos. Estimated cost: photos $150–$400; Matterport $200–$500; simple staging $200–$1,200.
Day 7: Final walkthrough and listing logistics
- Do a buyer’s-eye walk from curb to backyard. Wipe smudges, pick up crumbs, and roll lint where needed.
- Confirm media delivery and choose hero photos with your agent.
- Gather a showing kit: spare bulbs, keys, HOA documents, copies of permits and receipts for recent work, and recent utility bills if you want to share typical costs.
- For showings, keep scents neutral, play soft background music if desired, and have pets out of the home.
Time: 1–2 hours. Estimated cost: negligible.
Pro photos and media: best practices
- Aim for midday interior photos on a sunny day to maximize natural light.
- Turn on every light, remove items from refrigerator doors, and hide visible cords.
- Typical deliverables include 25–40 photos, a floor plan, and a 3D tour. A twilight exterior can help your hero image pop.
- Virtual staging can work well for vacant homes. If used, follow your MLS disclosure guidelines so buyers know what was virtually added.
Local rules to know in Green Valley Ranch
- Permits and past work. Cosmetic items like paint usually do not need permits. Electrical, plumbing, structural, or major HVAC work often does. Verify your permit history and keep documentation via the City and County of Denver’s planning and permitting resources.
- Seller disclosures. Colorado requires a Seller’s Property Disclosure. Share material facts you know, including past repairs and whether work was permitted. See guidance from the Colorado Division of Real Estate.
- Lead-based paint. If your home was built before 1978, federal rules require a lead-based paint disclosure. Review the EPA’s lead disclosure overview.
- HOA considerations. Many parts of GVR are in HOAs. Check covenants for signage rules, showing protocols, and any approvals needed for exterior changes.
- Drone photography. Green Valley Ranch is near Denver International Airport. Drone flights may face airspace restrictions and require an FAA-certified pilot under Part 107. Start with the FAA’s Part 107 guidance and confirm HOA permissions.
Room-by-room photo checklist
- Kitchen: Clear counters to 2–3 items, polish appliances, remove fridge magnets, and stage with a bowl of fruit or a small vase.
- Bathrooms: Clear counters, replace worn shower liners, re-caulk if needed, hang fresh towels, and clean mirrors.
- Living room: Remove extra furniture, align seating, hide cables, and add neutral pillows and a tidy rug for scale.
- Bedrooms: Make beds with neutral linens, clear nightstands, and tidy closets. Turn hangers in the same direction to signal ample storage.
- Basement or bonus rooms: Boost lighting, dust corners, and use labeled totes to organize storage piles.
- Garage: Sweep floors, group items neatly, and move cars out for wide shots.
- Exterior: Hide trash cans, remove toys, sweep porches, and keep the driveway clear.
Vendor coordination tips
- Book your photographer on Day 1 and build in a weather backup. Denver’s sun is strong, but spring and fall can bring surprise storms.
- Bundle small tasks with one capable handyman to save time on Day 3.
- Schedule pro cleaning for Day 4 and photos for Day 6 so your spaces stay fresh.
- Ask for examples and turnaround times before you hire cleaners, handypeople, or media pros.
Ready to list with confidence
In one week, you can move from “thinking about selling” to a polished, photo-ready listing that shows well online and in person. If you want hands-on guidance, a tight prep timeline, and premium presentation across the MLS and major portals, reach out for a quick plan that fits your home and schedule. Connect with Michael Todd to get started. Se habla español.
FAQs
How much does a 7-day prep usually cost in GVR?
- Plan for a modest budget of about $300 to $2,000 for cleaning, minor repairs, photography, and light staging. Get local quotes to match your home’s needs.
Do I need to hire a professional stager for an occupied home?
- Not always. A focused declutter plus a few neutral accessories often does the job. Vacant or sparsely furnished homes benefit most from physical or virtual staging.
Should I repaint before listing my GVR home?
- Touch up first and neutralize strong colors that dominate photos. Save full-room repaints for heavily marked walls or very dated tones.
What should I do about pets during photos and showings?
- Remove pet items and visible hair, neutralize odors, and consider boarding or a quick outing during photo shoots and open houses.
Are drone photos allowed near Green Valley Ranch and DIA?
- Drone flights near DIA face strict airspace limits. Use a Part 107 certified pilot, confirm HOA permissions, and review the FAA’s Part 107 rules.
Where can I check permits and disclosure rules for Denver sellers?
- Look up permits and records through Denver planning and permitting and review seller disclosure guidance at the Colorado Division of Real Estate.
