Preparing your home to sell
First impressions matter to buyers. If you’re selling your home, you’ll want to take the time to make the property shine.
Beyond your home’s high-level selling points — such as cost and location — buyers look for properties in which they can imagine themselves living. As the seller, this means making your home as appealing as possible during any open houses or showings. Nothing sells as well as a home that is clean, decluttered and elicits happiness.
Getting your home ready to sell takes time and effort. If you're looking to prepare your house for the market, here are some tips that are sure to help.
1. Clean
Give your home a deep clean — from the baseboards to the tops of the ceiling fans. Consider calling professionals to ensure your home (and especially your carpets) is in pristine condition. You may also consider a fresh coat of paint to cover any scuffs or imperfections.
2. Declutter
Removing excess clutter can go a long way with buyers. Consider giving items away to donation centers, disposal sites and consignment shops. For items you plan to keep in the home, try to avoid overstuffing closets and drawers. For other items, consider renting a month-to-month storage unit.
3. Depersonalize
Buyers will imagine themselves living in your space. Removing some of your personal items, such as photographs and family heirlooms, will help potential buyers visualize living there.
4. Repair
Now is the time to fix the items that have been on your to-do list for years. Whether it's a leaky faucet, broken door handle or cracked windowpane, you want homebuyers to know that your home has been well cared for. You may want to consider hiring a reputable handyman, if needed.
5. Stage
You'll want to make your home as warm, welcoming and inviting as possible. Consider rearranging furniture to make rooms appear larger and installing new light bulbs to make them brighter. And, because curb appeal is so important, consider placing fresh mulch, planting flowers and getting your lawn in the best shape possible.