If you are considering selling your home, you have some work in front of you. It takes time and consideration to prepare a house to list on the market. It’s never as easy as just pounding a sale sign into your front lawn and hoping that someone makes an offer.
Your home is your most significant investment, so you want to be able to come out with a profit after you sell. On average, owners spend about six months preparing to sell their homes. From deciding on a time to put out a listing to taking care of needed repairs, the process of selling your home can be long and involved.
Whether you are selling your home privately or by using a real estate agent, you will need to make a list of things to be done before you are ready to sell. Let’s take a closer look at some of the essential things that you will need to do to prepare your home for sale.
Repairs
The first step in getting a house ready to sell is completing any necessary repairs. Potential buyers are more interested in homes that are ready to move in rather than those that are going to cost more for repairs to be completed. While a small margin of buyers don’t mind a fixer-upper project, most are interested in properties ready for them to move right in. Before listing your home, you will need to take care of any needed repairs, including roofing, electrical, or plumbing issues. Additionally, you might want to renovate key areas of the home such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Renovating the home can be costly but it will help your property stand out to potential buyers.
Declutter
Buyers want to see homes that are neat and clean without a lot of clutter. Before your home is ready to show to potential buyers, it’s essential to go through a decluttering process. Get rid of any personal items that may be overwhelming to buyers. Take the opportunity to pack up many of your personal items, including family photos.
Staging
Potential buyers want to tour a home that they can easily imagine themselves living in and not one that represents the current owner’s life. Taking the time to stage your home so that buyers can focus on the features and size of the rooms can help you sell your home faster.
Paint
Nothing can freshen up your home easier and quicker than a new coat of paint. If your walls look stained and dull, it’s an excellent time to add a fresh coat of paint. Stick with neutral colors that won’t draw the attention away from what the house has to offer. Cover up any bright or dramatic colors that may make a space look smaller.
Curb Appeal
Buyers often make up their minds about a property before they even step inside. Preparing the exterior of your home is an essential part of the selling process. Ensure that your landscaping, gardens, and home exterior are neat, clean, and ready to make a good impression.
Deep Clean
Homeowners should be doing a deep clean of their entire home before listing it on the market. Cleaning should include flooring, carpeting, windows, draperies, and all high-traffic areas.
Getting ready to sell your home will take some time and effort. Follow this guide to help you prepare your home for a quick sale.