Are you considering putting your house on the market, but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re selling your home in a seller’s market or buyer’s market, it requires work. The goal is to sell your home fast and to get the most from it. There’s a large amount of preparation that goes into getting your house ready for sale. However, having a plan of attack could help prepare you for the challenges you may encounter during the sale process.
Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for sale.
It may be tempting to sell your home without a real estate agent. However, having a dependable real estate agent could save you time and money. They know the current trends in the housing market, and they can guide you with setting a realistic sale price. They can also assist with staging the home and promoting the sale on various platforms.
Setting the right price for your property can help you sell it quickly. Look in your neighborhood to determine what other properties have sold for in the last few weeks or months and price it according to the market trend. Then list it slightly less than what you want. As mentioned previously, consider hiring a realtor. They can help you research local property values and set a realistic sale price for your home. You can also visit sites like Zillow, ForSaleByOwner, and Redfin to get an estimate of your property value.
The first impression is usually the only impression. No matter how good the inside looks, buyers see the outside of your home first. Make sure the lawn and landscaping are well-groomed. Plant flowers and scrubs, trim brushes, and add mulch to bring the look together. Also, if needed, power wash the exterior and driveway for a clean and fresh look.
Too much clutter in the home will make it hard for potential buyers to see themselves living there. Remove all non-essential items such as books, papers, and personal items from countertops, laundry room shelves, and closets. Buyers will look through your closets, so make sure they are half-empty, clean, and tidy. You may want to consider renting a storage space, so you’re not cramming things in closets and the garage.
Potential buyers want to visualize themselves in the space. Make sure the house is sparkling clean, especially countertops, floors, and windows. Consider removing or rearranging furniture to make the rooms look brighter, more spacious, and inviting. Paint the interior walls light paint colors to give it an airy feel if needed. Remove family photos and store away kids’ toys. If this task seems overwhelming, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.
Don’t forget the minor repairs that may have lingered on our to-do list before selling the house. Replace leaky faucets, broken blinds, damaged window screens, and running toilets. If there are nails holes in the walls and loose or cracked caulking around doors and windows, fill them. If you have a fence and a deck, check for loose, warped, or missing wood structures and replace them if needed. Don’t forget the patio. Make sure it’s decluttered, neat, and clean. You may need to hire a pro if you don’t have the time or money to handle these projects.
The kitchen is an essential room in any home. It’s where families spend a lot of their time together, so it makes sense to make it as appealing as you can. If needed, add new cabinet hardware. Clear away the clutter on countertops and organize the pantry. Also, make sure to clean the cabinets, stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator. If your appliances are dated, and your budget allows it, consider replacing with stainless steel appliances to give an updated, expensive look to your kitchen.
While most people love their furry friends, not everyone likes or want pets in their home. Be prepared to take your pet away for showings. Place doggie bones and pet toys out of sight. Pet odors in the house can be a real turn off to some people, and there may be individuals who are allergic to animal fur. Deep clean and vacuum carpets often to eliminate pet odors and dust to remove pet hairs.
Consider hiring a professional photographer to take photos and videos of your home. Make sure the photos are of excellent quality. Your home photos are important because the buyer will form their opinion of your property by what they see. Video tours are a great way to attract and keep buyers interested in your home, especially during these challenging times.
Be flexible in showing your home to potential buyers. Buyers have different schedules, and some may want to visit at odd hours. Always keep the house neat and clean, so you’re prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
When you receive an offer, make sure you respond promptly. Most buyers do not want to wait around. If you decide to issue a counteroffer, do so quickly.
Preparing your home to sell takes patience, time, and money. There’s no guarantee that it will sale quickly and for top dollar. However, with an excellent real estate agent to assist with the process and a detailed plan, you could set the stage to convince the buyer they have found their new home.