Have you recently checked the equity in your home and are ready to sell? We recently asked our agents for tips to get your home ready to sell. Selling a house can be time-consuming, but with the current hot housing market, you can use these tips to sell with confidence.
Curb Appeal
The first impression for buyers is the outside. To set the tone in the beginning, spruce up your windows, wash the outside, trim the bushes below, and if there is space, add a fresh plant or two. Pressure washing steps, sidewalks, porches, and patios help create a clean exterior. Additionally, edge and freshly mulch your flower beds regardless of the time of the year.
Important tip: Give your front door a new coat of paint. Not sure on the right color? Consult your Dickens Mitchener broker to decide on the best color!
Declutter The Home
The first step to cleaning your home is decluttering your space. Since kitchens are a huge selling point, our agents recommend organizing the pantry and removing appliances such as microwaves on the counters. Also, scale down any interior furnishings. You want buyers to see how a space works, but also with their things in it. If you have too many items in a room, it looks cluttered. Decluttering gives a buyer more confidence that the home has been well maintained over time.
Single-Use Closets
Overflowing closets can make a home look messy. Katie Catron advises having any closets designated for one use. For instance, do not store kitchen items like a crockpot in your laundry room. It lets people know you don’t have enough space in your kitchen.
Deep Clean
Even though it may be a daunting task for some, cleaning will make a great first impression. Suzanne Coddington advises trash cans, toilet cleaning items and bath mats should be out of sight. Other agents recommend hiring a professional to ensure that the home is in pristine condition.
Plan For When The Home Hits The Market
Since buyers will be touring the home, Katie Ambrose recommends taking a weekend road trip with the family – including pets! It will let buyers have a lot of access in the first few days.
Add Décor and Plants
When it comes to staging, it can be easy and affordable. Vicky Mitchener loves using fresh flowers and plants like orchids and hydrangeas to make the space feel welcoming. This is typically done in the living room, dining room, half baths, and den. She calls it “party-ready”!
Update and Repair
When showing your house to potential buyers, all light fixtures and lamps will need to be turned on. Fran Miller suggests fixing unmatched light bulbs in a single fixture. Also, every light fixture and lamp need to work or remove it unless not. Beth Parker and Ashley McMillan suggest having your HVAC serviced and changing the air filters and dusting the vents. Dirty vents and filters suggest the HVAC system has not been properly maintained.
Depersonalize Your Home
Michael Murphy recommends removing as many personal items as possible such as pictures of family, weddings, etc., along with pet beds and toys. It allows the buyers to see themselves in that space with their own things.
Try a few of these tips to make your property stand out and reach potential buyers. Every home is unique so contact your preferred agent who can help come up with a specific plan with you early on and work with you to maximize your home’s sale. Don’t already have an agent? Fill out this form to be matched with the expert in your area.
