Selling your home is more than just sticking a sign out front. There are a few
things you can do before listing to hopefully ensure the best offer possible in
the shortest time! Investing some time and effort up front to prepare for
showings will generally increase the likelihood of receiving offers soon after
you list your home. The longer your home stays on the market, the harder it
can be to sell. We’ve put together a few prepping suggestions below!
Repair
You may have gotten used to that stain on the floor or a leaky faucet in the
spare bath – Buy to a potential buyer, this could be an immediate turnoff. If
there are too many noticeable repairs, buyers may also wonder if there are
more serious issues that lurk below the surface. Normal wear and tear can
add up, especially if you’ve lived in your home for a long period of time. Be
sure to fix any sticky doors or drawers as well. Finally, don’t forget to
address any issues with the exterior—fences, shingles, sidewalks, etc. After
all, without curb appeal, some buyers may never get to see the inside. Keep in
mind that repairs and upgrades can increase the value of your home so
considering the time and cost it will take versus the impact on your home
value.
Declutter and clean – make it feel spacious
Your everyday items may make sense to you and your routine, but a
prospective buyer needs to imagine themselves in your space. Take a good
look at your home. What spaces need to be decluttered or unorganized?
Buyers should be able to easily walk around spaces without bumping into
furniture. Keep in mind that buyers will look inside drawers, cabinets, attics
and basements – These areas need to be clean and organized as well. If you
need assistance on what to clean or declutter click here for our declutter
guide!
Neutralize
In addition to cleaning and decluttering, you should consider depersonalizing
your home. The goal when selling is to have a buyer fall in love with your
house, picturing themselves living there and imagining their belongings
inside. That can be difficult if your home has your personal stamp all over it.
For example, if your living room has lime green shag, wood-paneled walls,
and all your collectibles and personal photographs, this will be much harder
for a prospective buyer to images themselves in the space. Try replacing any
bold color choices in your floors and walls with something more
neutral—beiges, tans, and whites. Neutralize the space by removing items
such as family photos, souvenirs, religious symbols, diplomas, and
certifications, hobby supplies, and collections. You don’t want buyers to
miss out on key features of your home because they’re distracted by your
belongings. In addition, a fresh coat of paint will make everything look fresh
and new, and help prospective buyers imagine all the possibilities!
Stage – make it feel like home
Once your house is clean and updated, it’s time to play dress up. However,
you don’t need to stage your entire home. Focus instead on rooms that
impress buyers the most, such as the kitchen, living room, owner’s suite, and
bathrooms. Home stagers can add small details and décor touches that will
bring out the possibilities in the various spaces in your home: lamps, mirrors,
throw rugs and pillows, flowers, decorative soaps and towels, patio furniture.
Stage your exterior as well, by keeping the yard tidy, trim the bushes and
shrubs, and freshen your mulch or pine straw. If decorating isn’t your
strength, consider hiring a professional stager. Staging your home will help
set the stage for creating the best listing photos – and that can boost interest
and showings.