7 Sure Fire Tips to Get your Home Ready for Sale!
If you're kicking around the idea of selling, you may be worried that there's too much to do to get your house ready for the market. But a few simple, relatively inexpensive steps can make a big difference when it comes time to show off your home to prospective buyers.
- Maximize Curb Appeal: The old saying is true: you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Make sure that the outside of your home looks as appealing as possible. Water and mow the lawn, trim the trees, cut back overgrowth and plant colorful flowers in the front and back.
- Clear the Clutter: Having fewer things filling the rooms makes your home look both neater and roomier. It allows buyers to more easily visualize their own furnishings there. Be sure to store bicycles, gardening equipment, and children's and pet’s toys. Also move any cars from the driveway and along the curb in front of your home.
- Make Your Home Anonymous: Of course you’re proud of your family, but now is not the time to show their pictures and mementos. Stow away family photos, trophies, collectibles and any other personal items. You want buyers to imagine their families in the house, and that’s hard to do with constant reminders of your family. This process can also help you declutter.
- Make Necessary Repairs: Look at your house with a critical eye. The last thing you want potential buyers to see are chipped tiles in the bathroom, a faucet that doesn’t work, or burned out bulbs in light fixtures. All systems and appliances should be in good working condition.
- Consider Cosmetic Improvements: Simple, cosmetic touch-ups like painting, wallpapering, adding new light fixtures, and minor landscaping, can really help a home show better. If you paint, make sure it’s in a neutral color.
- Give Your Home a Good Cleaning: This can be the most cost-effective thing you do in prepping your home for sale. Potential buyers will want to inspect every part of your home, from the kitchen to the bathrooms to the garage. After removing any clutter, clean the inside of the house from top to bottom. Clean carpets, spotless kitchens and bathrooms, and tidy bedrooms can help make a positive impression.
- Add a Few Final Touches: Once your home is clean and decluttered, finish by adding a few carefully selected items for beauty - a painting in the living room, fresh flowers in the kitchen, an accent pillow for the sofa, or maybe an area rug for the bedroom.
Preparing your home for sale doesn't have to be an overwhelming, costly endeavor. By making a few simple changes you can help make a difference when it comes time to sell. A professional REALTOR® can help you through this process and have your home ready to list in no time! Give me a call and we'll get started today.