Are you thinking about putting your house on the market? It can feel quite daunting, so we put together a list of steps you can take to get your home ready and increase your chances of receiving an offer quicker. From decluttering to staging, here are the most important things you can do.
DECLUTTER
This could potentially be the most important step when preparing to list your home. Decluttering your home makes the home appear larger, simple as that. Isn’t that what we all want? Even a large open floor plan can look crammed with too much furniture or décor stuffed into an area. Clutter-free space gives the impression the home has been meticulously maintained which will appeal to buyers. One additional reason for decluttering is it helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space. Presenting the home as a neutral space allows them to visualize what their life would be like living there.
PAINTING
If your interior walls have bold or vibrant colors, consider painting them over with a neutral color. Some people cannot look past paint colors. For example, if a room is painted deep red or dark blue, some people may have difficulty imagining what the room would look like with a neutral color. Neutral colors can also open up a small space! Any smudges or peeling paint might make buyers think you haven’t taken good care of the property.
LANDSCAPE REVAMP
Curb appeal is the buyers first impression. An attractive and well maintained yard can add value to your home in an instant. Touching up the pine straw spaces and mulch enhances the contrast of the surrounding trees and plants making everything pop. If your grass is looking glum add some seed and set up a sprinkler; sod is a more expensive alternative. Shaping up shrubs, changing out dingy container plants on the porch and adding a pop of color with perennials can all enhance the overall look as well. Plus it makes the listing photos look even more appealing online.
STAGE THE HOME
Most sellers have mixed feelings about staging their home. They believe their home is beautiful the way it is, but that is because it is their own personal home. The National Association of Realtors says 83% of buyers’ agents said that a staged home makes it easier for their clients to visualize the potential of a property, while more than half of sellers agents believed that staging a home reduced the amount of time it stays on market. If you’re home has been sitting on the market for a while, reach out to a staging company, it might make the difference!
UPDATE APPLIANCES & HARDWARE
New appliances can turn your kitchen from drab to fab real quick. Gas stoves are preferred so if you currently have electric top look into some other options. Stainless steel is perceived as more luxurious and can impact the look and price of your home. Swapping out sink handles, door knobs and even switch plates throughout the home will give it a simple refresh.
DEEP CLEAN
Hiring a professional cleaner before any potential buyers walk through your door is a great idea. They can truly make an already clean house sparkle. If you do it yourself it can be a lot of work, but if you’re on a budget then check out this detailed room-by-room cleaning checklist.
RECONSIDER CARPET
Tearing out carpet and replacing with hardwoods can definitely increase the value of your home. Buyers usually always prefer hardwoods and in the case of wanting carpet it is always more appealing for the potential buyer to be able to choose their own and cover up the hardwood with their own style. Hardwoods are now seen as an ‘upgrade’ and with area carpets sometimes it’s harder for buyers to see past them, just like bold paint colors.
