Selling your house can be a daunting task. Many homeowners aren’t aware of how important preparing their house for sale on the open market is. As a result, they often end up doing too much — or not enough! If you’re planning to sell your home, we’ve compiled this list of simple steps to ensure your home sale is as fast and straightforward as possible.
Research Your Local Market
The first step to preparing your house to list is finding out what it’s worth. You can get a better idea of your property’s value by looking at what similar homes in the local area have sold for.
If there aren’t any recent sales in your area, or your home has unique features that make it difficult to compare, seek a local real estate agent’s advice. An experienced real estate agent can help you determine the optimal list price for your home, so it gets as much interest as possible.
Tidy Away Clutter and Clean Up
When selling your home, it’s important to provide a blank canvas that potential buyers can see themselves living in. Decluttering your home of personal items such as family photos and keepsakes can help make it more inviting for showings. You should also remove any polarizing items, such as religious artifacts and political statements, as having them on display can narrow your buyer pool.
In addition, you should also clean your home thoroughly and ensure that it’s free of pet hair and odors. Don’t forget about the insides of drawers and kitchen appliances too!
Make Minor Repairs
Change lightbulbs, fix leaky faucets, and repair any cracks or holes in the walls. Small repairs are easy to make but can make a huge impression on potential buyers. Failing to make these repairs may lead buyers to believe there are even more significant issues.
Add A Fresh Coat of Paint
When preparing your house for sale, consider giving the walls a fresh coat of paint in neutral tones to capture buyer’s interest. Light colors can brighten up dark spaces and make your home look more spacious to potential buyers.
If you want to introduce a pop of color, achieve this with soft furnishings that can be easily removed, such as throw pillows and blankets — or introduce fresh flowers for a pretty focal point.
Have Your Carpets Professional Cleaned
If you have carpets in your home, it’s good to spruce them up by having them professionally cleaned before you list your home. Consider replacing carpets that are worn with allergy-friendly laminate or hardwood flooring that buyers will appreciate.
Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Deweeding and laying down new mulch can go a long way in preparing your house for buyers. Not only will it improve your home’s curb appeal, but it will also set the tone for the rest of the showing. Plant some shrubs and add some pretty flower pots at your front door to create a welcoming entrance for buyers.
Take Professional Listing Photos
First impressions count, and never more so than in the age of the internet. Most buyers start the search for their dream home online. Ensure your property stands out by having professional listing photos taken. Professional property photographers have a keen eye for what prospective homebuyers want and can help shine your home in the best light possible.
Ensure Your Home Is “Show Ready”
Showings can come at short notice, so your home must always be ready to make a good impression on buyers. Simple things such as ensuring the beds are made and that the sink is free of dishes can go a long way. If you have pets, consider opening the windows and airing out your home before showings.
