You’ve probably heard the basics about getting your house ready to sell. “Paint the walls a neutral color,” “Don’t allow pets to be present when showing the house,” etc. This article will give you the specifics – how to make a great first impression so that you can prepare your home for sale, and get top dollar.
Declutter and depersonalize: We ALL have too much stuff, and that can be distracting to buyers. So it’s important to de-clutter your home, and to de-personalize it. What does that mean? Well to start, eliminate as much clutter as possible: books, storage boxes, pet toys, knick-knacks, etc. Neutralize your space as much as you can, so that buyers have a ‘clean slate’ and can imagine themselves living in your home. That means storing personal photos, mementos, and personal collections.
Clean: Your home must be meticulous! It shows the buyer that you take care of your home. Do things like wash all the baseboards, get rid of cobwebs, clean the inside of your refrigerator and stove, clean out closets, etc. Get any carpets or rugs professionally cleaned. Then, there’s the daily maintenance – dust, sweep the floor, make sure dishes are put away.
Enhance curb appeal: Keep in mind that the outside is the first thing the buyer sees. Make sure your yard is well-maintained – pull the weeds and add seasonal flowers if you can. Paint your front door, power wash the house, and clean the windows. Create a great first impression that will make the buyer want to explore the home’s interior.
Make repairs and renovations: To start, fix all the little things, like the leaky faucet, loose gutters, repaint the rooms that need it. If your kitchen is very outdated, consider an upgrade. Even updating old light fixtures and window treatments can make your home shine. Remember that you are conveying to the buyer that the house is well-taken care of!
Staging: This involves optimizing the use, as well as the look and feel of your home. It doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming. Sometimes just moving the furniture around can create a new, more appealing look. Engage a professional stager, who can help with your own possessions, or bring in new furniture and accessories.
It may seem like a lot of work, but the effort you put into transforming your home will impact how long it takes your home to sell, and of course, the price you receive.