Selling your home can be a significant event in your life, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. With careful planning and preparation, you can maximize your chances of attracting potential buyers and securing the best possible price. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to prepare your home for sale and create a lasting impression on prospective buyers.
1. Declutter and Depersonalize:
The first step in preparing your home for sale is to declutter and depersonalize your space. Remove personal photographs, excessive decorations, and any items that may distract buyers. A clutter-free home allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space and helps create a neutral canvas for their imagination.
You know you'll be moving soon, so start packing those items! Create a space in your basement or even rent a storage unit. Does your home have to be free of boxes and all signs of moving? Of course not! But, potential buyers will look inside closets and cupboards, so don't forget those areas as well.
2. Deep Clean:
A clean home creates an instant positive impression. Scrub every corner, including floors, walls, windows, and appliances. Pay attention to often overlooked areas like baseboards, ceiling corners, and light fixtures.
Consider professional cleaning services for carpets and upholstery if necessary. Clean carpets, even if they're aged, no doubt add to the clean feeling of your home and add an overall nice touch!
3. Make Repairs and Enhancements:
Inspect your home for any visible repairs or maintenance issues. Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, cracked tiles, and any other minor problems. These simple fixes not only add to the appeal of your home but will later help you should the buyer request a home inspection.
You can also consider a few other projects that add appeal. Repainting walls in neutral colors freshens up any space and is relatively inexpensive, especially if you can take on the task yourself. Enhancements such as new light fixtures, cabinet hardware, or a fresh coat of paint on the front door can significantly improve the overall appeal.
Don't feel as though you have to upgrade absolutely everything! Fixes and repairs are never an all-or-nothing situation. Choose the repairs and fixes you think will most help the value of your home as well as its appeal to potential buyers as soon as they walk in.
4. Boost Curb Appeal:
First impressions matter, so focus on enhancing your home's curb appeal. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and plant colorful flowers to add vibrancy. If you're selling during the winter months, adding simple porch decorations is a great way to up the appeal. And don't forget to keep your driveway and sidewalks free of snow and ice!
5. Stage Your Home:
Staging your home can help showcase its potential and make it more appealing to buyers. Start by rearranging furniture to create an open and spacious layout. Consider removing excess furniture to make rooms appear larger.
If you're looking to amp up your staging, you can add tasteful artwork, use neutral decor, and strategically place mirrors to enhance natural light and create a welcoming atmosphere. Local companies also offer staging services which may be worth looking into. Ask your REALTOR® for recommendations!
6. Highlight Key Features:
Identify and highlight the unique selling points of your home. Is it a spacious backyard, a newly renovated kitchen, or a cozy reading nook? Show off these features!
A great way to do this is to be sure your REALTOR® is using a professional photographer and focusing on attributes that amplify your home's potential. Engaging listing descriptions help as well so offer your agent a few insights that you would like included in the description.
7. Professional Photography:
Professional photographs capture your home's best angles and create stunning visuals for your listing. High-quality images can significantly improve your chances of attracting potential buyers online and generating more interest in your property.
Most REALTOR®s use professionals to take their photos; however, it's worth asking about. Twin Power agents pride themselves in using a professional whether your home is $60,000 or $600,000!
If you have a larger home or even a sizable lot or acreage, ask about drone photos and video in order to showcase the exterior facets of your home to attract even more buyers!
8. Set the Right Price:
Consult with your real estate agent to determine the optimal listing price for your home. Your agent will take into account market conditions, recent sales of similar properties in your area, and any unique features your home offers. Pricing your home competitively can attract more potential buyers and increase your chances of receiving well put together offers quickly.
9. Market Your Home:
Your agent's job is to expose your home to a wide audience and reach buyers no matter where they look for listings. Be sure your agent uses various marketing channels to reach a wide range of potential buyers. They should leverage online platforms, social media, and real estate websites to promote your listing.
Hosting open houses is another great way for your agent to market your home. And, don't be afraid to market your home on your own! Share your agent's listing posts and ask for additional home flyers to have on hand should you need them.
10. Prepare for Showings:
Be prepared for potential buyers to visit your home. Keep it clean, well-maintained, and staged at all times, which can be quite difficult if you have little ones and pets! Make a plan and arrangements in advance for such occasions.
Speak with your REALTOR® and be sure to let them know how much advance notice you would like to have before a showing. Your agent can tailor how showings are set up in order to give you enough lead time to gather your things, tidy up, and leave your home during the showing.
Preparing your home for sale is a meticulous process that involves attention to detail and strategic planning. It can be a bit overwhelming at times but don't forget to ask your agent for help balancing it all. After all, that's why we're here!
Check out Lynette's video for even more tips before listing your home!
