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If you are getting ready to sell your home, you have most likely already given it a great deal of thought. While you may think you know the basics, such as keeping any personal items out of sight and removing clutter, there is a lot more to selling your home than you may have originally thought.
Potential buyers can fall in or out of love with your house for a variety of reasons. Here are some important strategies to getting your home ready to sell — and make it irresistible to everyone who comes to view it.
Get the Most for Your Home
When putting your home on the market, perhaps the most important aspect is curb appeal. Make sure the property is clean, updated as much as your budget allows, and properly staged. A real estate agent can help you with finding an experienced stager in your area. Once the property looks its best, you will be able to set the price. Know what properties like yours are selling for in your neighborhood and be sure to accommodate a realtor commission in your analysis if you plan to use a realtor in the selling process.
In today's market, homes that are appropriately priced are selling within days of being offered for sale and often receive multiple offers.
Tips for Maximizing Your Home’s Appeal
The following are steps you can take to make your house as appealing as possible to potential buyers:
De-personalize
Before you show your house, ensure that you pack up all your knick-knacks, family heirlooms, and photos. When a buyer enters your house you want them to see themselves living there with their personal items placed in the rooms.
De-clutter
Take an objective look at your house and identify any items that can be either donated, sold, or discarded. Also:
- Clear your kitchen counters of all unnecessary items.
- Remove books from shelves.
- Place all essential items in a box and store them away.
Rearrange closets and kitchen cabinets
Organize all of your closets and cabinets to impress even the most observant of buyers.
Make minor repairs
You may not even have realized that your home needs a little TLC, so go around with a friend and spot and fix anything that needs fixing, such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or loose knobs.
Rent a storage unit
If you have clutter in your home, consider renting a storage unit. Storing away bulky items of furniture will open up your house, making it far more attractive to potential buyers. Clearing away knick-knacks and excess furniture will also make your home photos more appealing.
Clean your home
Spring clean your home from top to bottom so buyers will find your space clean, sweet smelling, and attractive.
Improve the outdoor space
Ensure that your yard is well-maintained and attractive. Check all exterior window and door frames, and paint any that look past their prime. Also, make sure your house number is clearly visible from the road.
Lighten and brighten
The lighter and brighter your house looks, the more appealing it will be to buyers. Be sure to let as much natural light in as possible, and consider repainting white trim and other walls to make them stand out and look fresh.
Have a Good Showing
When the time comes to show your house, there are a few tips you should remember:
- Know who is coming and remember their names.
- Give prospective buyers space to explore your house.
- Provide a written list of what’s included with the house.
- Be truthful about your house. If there is an issue, you are required to disclose it.
Over 61 million existing homes were sold in 2017. Yours can be next. Selling your house can be difficult emotionally as you have spent a great deal of time in your home and have made countless memories there. However, through following the above hints and tips, you can ensure you will show your home off in the greatest light, as well as get the best price possible.
