Selling a home isn’t something most people do every day. For many, it’s a once-in-a-decade kind of decision. I’ve been fortunate to walk side by side with clients through this journey hundreds of times over the years, and I can tell you one thing for sure, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, a well-crafted game plan, and a positive mindset, you can sell your home for a fantastic price without losing your composure in the process.
My name is Tori Atwell, and here are five of my top tips to help you do just that.
Tip 1: You don’t need a complete remodel, just the right advice
One of the biggest misconceptions I see among sellers is the belief that they must completely remodel their home before listing it. Let me be the first to say — that’s just not true. You do not need to gut your kitchen or redo all your bathrooms to get top dollar. What you need is a great Realtor who knows what matters and what doesn’t.
Every home is unique. Some updates will help your home shine in the current market, while others just won’t add enough value to be worth the time and money. My job is to walk through your home with a sharp eye and years of experience to help you determine where your efforts will actually make a difference. Maybe it’s new paint, fresh carpet, or simply decluttering a space to make it feel larger. Small, strategic updates can make a huge impact.
I’ve had listings where we didn’t spend more than a few thousand dollars getting the home ready, and they still sold for well above asking. It’s about knowing where to put your energy, not trying to do it all.
Tip 2: Clean, stage, and make it shine. No excuses
I’m going to say something that might sound a little bold: if your home is dirty, you’re putting yourself in a position where it might not sell at all. I’ve seen beautiful homes lose out on offers simply because they weren’t clean or appropriately staged. Buyers walk in and feel overwhelmed instead of excited.
Staging and cleaning aren’t optional. They’re essential. You want buyers to walk in and imagine themselves living there. That’s not going to happen if the floors are sticky, the kitchen smells like last night’s dinner, or the bathrooms haven’t been wiped down. The goal is to create a clean, inviting space that feels warm and livable.
And staging? It makes a world of difference. Even just a few well-placed pieces can help highlight a room’s best features. It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive, it just needs to show your home in its best light.
Tip 3: Hire a Realtor who knows how to see the positive
Every home has its quirks. It could be near a busy street. The bathrooms may be dated. Maybe there’s a power line running through the backyard. You know what? That’s okay. The key is working with a Realtor who understands how to see the positive and knows how to help buyers see it too.
I’ve always believed that for every so-called negative, there’s a positive waiting to be highlighted. I recently listed a home in Mountain View on a quiet residential loop street close to a busy highway. At first glance, many might assume that the highway noise would be a dealbreaker for buyers. But as I connected with potential buyers and listened to what truly mattered to them, I was able to reframe the property’s story. I highlighted that while the highway might be audible, it posed no danger to their kids or pets. The highway noise was not going to hit their kid or dog! What really mattered was the street itself. Because it was a low-traffic loop, it created a safe, open space where children could play freely without constant car activity. That resonated with many buyers, who began to see the home not just as a place to live, but as a chance to recreate the safe, outdoor childhoods they had grown up with. Ultimately, several buyers who were initially uncertain ended up submitting strong offers. The Mountain View home sold in just one week for hundreds of thousands over asking.
Another time, I listed a home with a large easement area under power lines. Instead of seeing it as unusable space, we leveraged the fact that neighbors were already using the space to grow vegetable gardens and that local kids played soccer in the open area. That “extra” land became a selling point for families who wanted more outdoor space and a connection to their community. What was at first glance a nuisance was now seen as an incredible addition to the lifestyle! Another incredible Silicon Valley real estate sale!
Even the minor details can be presented in a positive light. When bathrooms are outdated, I remind buyers, you're probably going to renovate them anyway, and once you do, that old tile won’t matter anymore. A good Realtor helps buyers see potential, not problems.
Tip 4: Don’t underestimate the importance of the little things
I’ll let you in on a secret: the little things matter more than you think.
Does the house smell fresh when you walk in? Does the front yard feel welcoming with fresh mulch or a tidy garden bed? Is the lighting warm and modern, or is it casting a harsh glare from a 1990s fixture? Sometimes, a $500 light fixture can elevate a space more than a full renovation.
Buyers are guided as much by emotion as logic. They may not remember the square footage of the second bedroom, but they will remember how your home felt. Did it feel clean? Comfortable? Updated just enough? Did the landscaping look loved or neglected?
These seemingly small details add up to a big impression. That’s why I always take the time to walk through these touches with my sellers. A few hundred dollars can yield thousands in return if it helps your home connect with buyers on a deeper level.
Tip 5: Know your target market—and market to them accordingly
This one might be the most important tip of all — know who you’re selling to.
I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the brightest minds in Silicon Valley. These are folks who have built businesses from the ground up and are incredibly savvy when it comes to making calculated real estate decisions. Whether they’re buying their first condo or upgrading to a forever home in Silicon Valley, they know what they want—and it’s my job to speak directly to that.
If your home is likely to attract buyers looking to renovate and build equity, don’t stress about making it look turnkey. Let them see the potential and the value they can create. However, suppose your target buyer wants something move-in ready, as many condo buyers in Mountain View do, for example. In that case, you’ll need to ensure every detail is polished and complete before listing.
Understanding your target audience means you won’t waste time or money preparing your home in ways that don’t resonate. It also means your marketing, staging, and pricing strategy will align perfectly with buyer expectations.
I maintain close contact with my colleagues at The Agency Los Altos and throughout the local market to stay informed and up-to-date. We’re constantly talking about who’s buying, what they want, and how to best position homes for success. This insider knowledge enables me to guide my sellers in making smart, informed decisions that lead to successful sales.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home can be an emotional and financial rollercoaster, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right Realtor by your side (hi, that’s me), and an innovative, thoughtful approach, you can set yourself up for a smooth and successful sale.
You don’t need to overspend on unnecessary upgrades. You don’t need to feel overwhelmed. What you need is someone who knows how to bring out the best in your home, understands the market, and genuinely cares about your goals.
If you're thinking about selling and want an honest, experienced, and community-minded partner to guide you, I’d love to chat. Together, we can create a plan that works for you and helps you move on to the next exciting chapter.
Looking to buy or sell real estate in Mountain View or beyond in Silicon Valley? Contact Tori Atwell today. Tori Atwell has sold over 1 billion in real estate sales since 1986 and would be happy to put her experience to work for you! Considered “Downtown Mountain View’s Most Experienced Real Estate Agent” and voted by residents as a “Nextdoor Neighboorhood Fave” Realtor, Tori is committed to providing her clients with bespoke representation, customized marketing strategies, and white-glove service.
Tori Atwell, Broker Associate
Phone: 650.996.0123
Email: [email protected]
LIC.# 00927794
The Agency Los Altos
