Post sponsored by Earnest
Whether you have a little time or a lot to get everything squared away to sell your house, the process can be stressful. Doing certain things to get it ready to put it on the market may feel like time and money that you can't afford, but in the long run, you are more likely to sell the house quicker and for a better price if you spend some time fixing some things and making some cosmetic improvements. The steps below can help you make sure that your home is as attractive to buyers as it can be.
Deep Clean and Declutter
It's important to make a good first impression, and this means cleaning the place as thoroughly as you can and working to declutter it. This isn't because potential buyers really think that you're going to sell them a dirty home full of clutter but because of the overall impression that you want to make. This also helps people looking at the place focus more on its features and less on any junk that you have lying around. Plus, there won't be anywhere for your clutter to hide. You'll probably have to turn on all the lights in each room for potential buyers.
Making Repairs
There are basically two different classes of repairs you'll need to make. One type is in the deep clean and clutter category, which are things that aren't serious or costly but that make a disproportionately bad impression. In the other category goes the major things that you can't sell the house without fixing. If you're scrambling to figure out how you're going to afford a necessary repair on top of all the expenses of moving, you might want to consider low interest personal loans from a private lender. This can give you some financial peace of mind if you have to fix something major and costly, like a roof.
Consider Staging
How important is it to you that you sell your home quickly? If you really want it to go as fast as possible, it might be a good idea to go a step beyond decluttering and get as many of your personal items out as possible. This could mean having to temporarily rent a storage unit, but it will also mean that when buyers walk through the house, they are more readily able to visualize what it will look like with their own things in it. Talk to your realtor about other staging ideas since they are likely to have some tricks of the trade to offer, such as baking cookies to make the place smell homey.
Remember Curb Appeal
Another important element of making that good first impression is ensuring that anyone who drives up to take a look at your house wants to go inside. If your yard is shabby, your flowers are dead and the paint is peeling on your front door, they might not even slow down. The great thing about curb appeal is that it can be one of the easiest, cheapest and least intrusive ways to make your home more attractive. An afternoon or two of gardening or painting and picking up a few nice plants can make a world of difference.
Do a Walk Through
There are two important reasons you need to do a walk-through in which you try to separate yourself from any emotional feelings about the house and look at it dispassionately. One reason is that it will help you catch any final minor but off-putting things you haven't already taken care of. The other is that it will allow you to start to disengage from thinking of the home as yours. Moving out of a place where you've lived for years can be hard on the emotions even when it's a move that you're very much looking forward to.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your house ready to sell is an intricate process that demands careful attention to various elements. It starts with interviewing real estate agents who understand the local housing market and can set the right listing price based on comparable properties. Collaborating with a great real estate agent ensures that minor repairs, light fixtures, and a fresh coat of paint are taken care of, giving the entire house a deep clean and making it appealing to potential buyers. Personal touches, such as removing family photos, ensure that prospective buyers can envision themselves in the space, enhancing the appeal during an open house.
Setting the right selling price, staging the home professionally, and engaging in an efficient home selling process can aid in ensuring that you sell quickly. Every detail matters in the selling process, from the open house to final negotiations. So, trust in the expertise of a real estate agent who knows how to get your house ready, so you can embark on a smooth and successful sale.
In conclusion, getting your home ready for a potential buyer isn't merely about aesthetics; it's about showcasing your home in a way that resonates with the prospects. By focusing on these aspects, you're not just preparing your home to be sold, but setting it up to be desired. Your investment in a great real estate agent, meticulous attention to detail, and understanding of the local housing market will set the stage for a successful sale, aligning your property with the expectations of today's buyers, and making your home a standout option in a competitive market.
