How to stage your lakefront home for sale

A lakefront home is a gem of a place. It gives full access to the water, where one can indulge in leisure activities like swimming, boating, fishing, sailing, and others anytime.

But sparkling waters and amazing views do not translate to an instant sale. Selling a lakefront home requires creativity, planning, and effort.

Here’s how you can stage that lakefront home to make it more attractive to buyers:

Make access to the water convenient

Add a simple, easy-to-maintain pebble path that makes it convenient to reach the water’s edge. Construct a small masonry wall to highlight and clear the path. Rake sand that gets in the way. Store beach toys and inflatable items like big rafts in the shed.

Spruce up the exterior

Beach and lounge chairs, sun umbrellas, a well-maintained wrap-around deck, a low-key fire pit and grill, lawn and deck furniture, throw pillows, lanterns, and outdoor potted plants exude a relaxed, welcome feel.

Get rid of bugs

Mosquitoes and ants are inevitable in waterfront homes. However, you don’t want buyers to see traces of even the most harmless ones. Call pest control to spray for bugs way ahead of showings.

Clean windows and wash curtains

Clear lakeside views are important to buyers. Make sure your windows give the best views by keeping them sparkling clean. Wash or upgrade window treatments to draw attention to the view.

Add a deep water dock

A deep water dock – one with at least six feet of water at low tide, and is ideal for a large sailboat – can be worth more than the lakefront home itself. A sparkling clean boat securely tied to the dock 24/7 also boosts value. But you must first study the type of dock suited for the lakefront home. Inquire about town ordinances or ask a local real estate agent’s help.

Fix everything that’s broken

Check your dock (and boat lift). Repair warped or cracked supports. Change aging boards. Get rid of wood rut and rust. Maintain the dock regularly by sealing it and keeping it free from plant matter and bird waste.

Ditch personal items

Your anniversary birthday party was great. But buyers aren’t interested in photos of the festive balloons and the fun things that made the event special to you. Check each room and stash away personal souvenirs, family portraits, paintings, and items that appeal only to you. Buyers want to own every inch of the home; they don’t want your personal effects to interfere with their reverie.

Highlight guest potential

Many lakefront homebuyers enjoy having guests over. Put bunk beds, pull-out couches, and cots in bigger rooms. Seasoned hosts can print a floor plan flier proving how they accommodated 10 guests in their cabin.

Show nearby areas

Put a map of the lake at the main entrance and encircle your home’s location. Prepare brochures or flyers about the most accessible town, including the location of the nearest groceries, shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. This will help buyers appreciate the location even more.

Thinking of selling your lakefront home? We at Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate will be happy to help you make your home look its best for buyers. Call 509.888.8887 or contact us here.