Preparing Your Home To Sell

Selling a home can be a stressful and overwhelming process, but properly preparing your home to sell can make a big difference in attracting potential buyers and getting the best price. Here are a few key steps you can take to make it more appealing to potential buyers and increase the homes value:

Declutter

Decluttering your home before you sell it is important for several reasons. First, it helps to make your home look larger and more spacious, which is attractive to potential buyers. By getting rid of unnecessary items and organizing what remains, you can create a sense of openness and flow throughout the space. This can also make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home. Start by depersonalizing your space. Remove excess knick-knacks and personal items such as family photos to help buyers envision themselves living in the home. Then work towards removing or storing any other personal clutter you may have around the home. Here is a great article from Homes & Gardens with 30 tips to decluttering your home.

In addition to improving the aesthetics of your home, decluttering can also make it easier for potential buyers to see the full potential of the space and appreciate its features. Overall, decluttering can help to increase the sale price of your home by making it more appealing to buyers. And the more buyers that are interested in your home, the more offers. The more offers the better chance you have at getting top dollar.

Make Repairs and Updates

When preparing to sell your home, it is important to consider which upgrades and repairs will provide the best return on investment. Some common upgrades that can help increase the value of your home include updating the kitchen, bathrooms, and flooring. These areas tend to be major selling points for buyers and can have a big impact on the overall value of your home.  Additionally, addressing any major repairs, such as a new roof or fixing foundation issues, can also be beneficial. These repairs can be costly, but they can also be deal-breakers for potential buyers if not addressed.

If you don’t have the budget for the big ticket items, address all the small stuff that you can afford. If you have a smaller budget, consider making small updates like painting the walls or refinishing the floors. This will give your home a fresh, modern look that most buyers are looking for. And make sure to address the smaller issues that could turn off potential buyers. These are items such as leaky faucets, burned out light bulbs, and holes in the walls.

Overall, it is important to prioritize upgrades and repairs that will have the greatest impact on the value of your home. Here’s a guide from Realtor.com on what repairs to make in a cooling market.

Improve The Cub Appeal

Improving the curb appeal of your home is a key factor in attracting potential buyers and increasing the value of your property. Here are a few tips for enhancing the exterior of your home:

1. Clean up your landscaping: Trim overgrown shrubs, mow the lawn, and plant some colorful flowers to make your home look well-maintained.
2. Update your front door: A fresh coat of paint or a new door can go a long way in improving the overall appearance of your home.
3. Add some outdoor lighting: Well-placed lights can highlight your home’s best features and make it stand out at night.
4. Pressure wash the exterior: Removing dirt and grime from the exterior of your home can make a big difference in its overall appearance.
5. Fix any visible issues: Repairing any cracks in the sidewalk or replacing broken windows can show buyers that you have taken care of your home.

By taking the time to improve the curb appeal of your home, you can make a strong first impression on potential buyers and increase the value of your property.

Stage your home

Staging the interior of your home can also be a helpful step when preparing your home to sell. Staging involves renting furniture and decor to highlight the features of your home and make it more welcoming. If you don’t have the budget for professional staging, you can still create an attractive and cohesive look on a small budget. You can achieve this by rearranging furniture and adding a few homey touches like throw pillows and fresh flowers. Here are the 15 Home Staging Essentials by HGTV.com.

Make sure it is well lit

Additionally, when preparing your home to sell, make sure it is well-lit. Bright, well-lit spaces feel larger and more inviting, so open the curtains and turn on all the lights during showings. If your home has low lighting, consider adding additional light fixtures or upgrading to brighter bulbs. Pay attention to smells as well, as strong odors can be a turn-off for buyers. Make sure to air out your home and eliminate any lingering smells, and avoid cooking strong-smelling foods before showings. Consider using air fresheners or diffusers to give your home a pleasant aroma.

Get professional photos

Finally, consider hiring a professional photographer when preparing your home to sell. Quality photos are crucial for attracting buyers online, so hiring a professional photographer to take high-resolution photos of your home can be worth the investment. (As your agent, this comes complimentary along with video and all marketing of your home. You will never pay for marketing your home with me!)

Use your agent

As your agent, I can also help you determine what repairs or upgrades are necessary to prepare your home for sale. A good real estate agent can provide valuable insights on what buyers are looking for in your area. Using an agent vs selling the home yourself has actually been shown to net you more money and make you happier throughout the process.  From the start, I will take the stress off your shoulders and help you prioritize repairs or updates based on their potential return on investment. For example, if you are considering updating your kitchen, I may recommend focusing on more cosmetic changes first. These are things such as painting the cabinets and/or replacing the countertops, rather than investing in a full kitchen remodel. I can help you make informed decisions on how to best prepare your home for sale and maximize your chances of a successful sale for top dollar. 

With a little bit of effort and preparation, you can present your home in the best possible light. Following these tips will attract more potential buyers who are ready to make an offer. By following these tips, you can increase the chances of a successful and stress-free home sale.