Thinking of selling your home but aren't sure where to start? Here are five things you can do today to get your home ready to go on the market.
1. Clean and Declutter Before listing your home, give your home a deep clean - and make sure that it stays clean throughout the selling process. Consider calling in the professionals, such as housekeepers and carpet cleaners, to make sure that your home is in the best condition it can possibly be in. Decluttering your space will maximize your home's appeal. This includes closets, cabinets, and other storage spaces. Consider renting a storage unit to store the things you won't need in the short-term while your home is being shown to potential buyers. You won't need those containers of holiday decorations until you're in your new home and you don't want them cluttering up the valuable storage space that your buyers are looking for.
2. Add Value with Easy Updates
You can make your home look updated new cabinet hardware in the kitchen and bathrooms, new light fixtures, and a fresh coat of paint on your trim as well as any walls that need it. Finish up any minor repairs around your home from leaky faucets and running toilets to broken appliances and closet doors that aren't on their tracks. Your Realtor can recommend painters, carpenters, plumbers, and other professionals who have the skills to handle these tasks. Keep track of all repairs and updates so you can share with potential buyers.
3. Let There Be Light
A bright and cheery home is always more welcoming and more sellable. Consider removing room darkening drapes, clean your windows, and stock up on light bulbs. When your home is being shown to potential buyers, all of the lamps and light fixtures will be turned on, so you need to have working bulbs. (This is another reason you'll be glad you did that deep clean!)
4. Pay Attention to Curb Appeal
The first thing a buyer sees is the outside of your home. Think about how you can make people feel welcome and safe as they approach your house. A new welcome mat, a coat of paint on the front door, adding potted plants with colorful flowers, and simply keeping the grass cut are all things that will make your home more attractive to buyers.
Cleaning should also include the exterior of your home. Pressure washing your driveway, walkways, and patio instantly make your home look fresh and well cared-for.
5. Find a Realtor
We highly recommend using a Realtor to help you sell your home. You will be able to find a variety of real estate professionals through sites such as Realtor.com and recommendations from friends and family. You'll be spending a lot of time with your Realtor, so it's critical to find someone that you will be comfortable working with. When interviewing agents, be sure to ask about their experience selling homes in your neighborhood and what tools they will use to market your home. Your Realtor will also be able to give you a list of recently sold homes in your area, advise you on things you can do to make your home more attractive to buyers, and recommend service providers to help you get your home in tip-top shape.
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