Before you put your property on the market, ask your Real Estate agent for guidance on improving your properties presentation. Your agent can fill you in on what buyers expect in your particular market and at your home’s price point. The following 12 tips are a way to get a head start on preparing to sell your property.
Increase your curb appeal
To make sure buyers want to see the inside of your home, make sure the outside is well kept, inviting and tidy. It’s important to touch-up or completely repaint trim, edge along sidewalks and paths, keep the grass cut, maintain flowers and shrubs and keep the yard tidy. You never know when curious buyers will drive by.
Get rid of clutter
You want to try and maximize the space in your home, the more clutter, the more uncomfortable things will feel. A cluttered home can make your home feel a lot smaller than it is. Go through all of your stuff and clear out the non-essential items. Even if you don’t want to go through all of your stuff now, make sure you at least put things away in places where the buyers won’t be looking. Rent a storage place if needed.
Paint interior
If your going to paint the interior, stick with neutral colors. Neutrals don’t distract and they allow potential buyers to imagine their things in your home. Maybe go with off white and light creamy colors.
Make sure you take good photos
The pictures you use on your listing could make or break your sale. They’re the first thing anyone sees. If you’re not a photographer, consider hiring a professional. Good listing photos can make the difference when it comes to getting buyers over to your house.
Make repairs
Before you put your home on the market, make any minor repairs that could give buyers second thoughts about the home. Making small repairs throughout the home can give buyers the impression that the home is well-maintained.
Clean
Do a thorough clean of your home. Start at the top, the attic or second-story rooms, and work your way down. Clean the ceiling light fixtures first, scrub woodwork and walls and finish with floors. As you work your way down, ensure that each room is completely clean before moving on to the next. Try not to drag dirt from one area back into the place you just cleaned.
Take advantage of good lighting.
A bright home is more inviting to buyers. Let the sunlight in if possible. If your home is dim, add some better lighting. Even buying brighter light bulbs can help. When you have a scheduled showing, make sure all of your curtains are drawn and lights remain on.
Consider a professional cleaning.
Make sure your kitchen and baths are spotless. Buyers will pay closer attention to these areas. In addition, make sure your carpets are as clean as possible. If need be consider having your carpets professionally cleaned. Spending a couple hundred could save you thousands by preventing the buyer from thinking they need to replace the carpets immediately.
Address all odors.
Smell is powerful, and can easily drive someone away from buying your home. In some cases you may not even realize there is a smell. Ask a friend or your Realtor if there are any unpleasant odors, like pet or cooking odors and address them before you show.
Make your kitchen appealing.
According to HGTV, the kitchen can make or break a buyer’s impression of the property’s interior. Even inexpensive updates such as paint and hardware can help spruce up an otherwise outdated space.
Don’t forget the backyard
Keep your backyard looking spacious and functional. Plant or pot colorful flowers and keep the landscaping trimmed and neat. Consistently pick up after your pets so buyers feel comfortable touring the yard.
Take your pets somewhere for showings.
It’s hard to imagine, but some people just don’t like animals. Take the pets somewhere safe and comfortable, like a friend’s home. Having evidence of your pet, including their odors can be a real turn off to some people.
Sell your home quickly with Navarre Real Estate Source. Contact us today!