Properly preparing your home is crucial for ensuring the highest possible offer. It can be a lot of work but the effort is well worth it. Here are ten things you can do to help sell your home in a timely fashion for a desirable price.
1. Get your paperwork together.
Buyers will want to know about routing home maintenance, who provides that maintenance, the cost of your utility bills, and any other pertinent information. A real estate marketing booklet can address these concerns and provide the buyer with valuable information on your home and the surrounding area.
2. Cover the small details.
Even if your budget is tight, you should look around your home and fix any small items that require it. If your mailbox looks old and weathered, replace it with a new one. If your light fixtures look outdated, replace them with cheap modern ones. Touch up painting can go a long way toward making a positive first impression on potential buyers. These little fixes will add up and go a long way toward making your home more marketable.
3. Remove evidence of pets.
Make sure potential buyers aren’t able to tell you every had a pet around the house. Even if you’ve grown accustomed to the odors and such, they can be turn offs to potential buyers. Steps you can take include steam cleaning your carpet, repairing your fence, and keeping your pet at a friend’s home.
4. Make the landscaping presentable.
Cleaning up your landscaping does not require a great amount of expertise. Simple things like trimming excess branches, cutting the grass, and pulling out weeds will help make your home more presentable. You might also consider placing potted plants around your home’s entrance.
5. Make your home less personal.
Potential buyers should be able to imagine themselves living in your home. Personal pictures, figurines, and other such items should be removed. Anything that alienates the buyer will be detrimental to the sale of your home.
6. Determine estimates on repairs and replacements.
Anything in your home that is aging or in need of repair will give buyers bargaining power. Get your own estimates from a trusted home inspector to strengthen your bargaining position. One of the most common items that buyers and sellers contend over is the roof. If your roof is in bad shape, get it evaluated by a qualified roofer.
7. Remove clutter.
Get rid of clutter in all areas of your home. Keeping your home filled only with essential items will make it seem bigger and more welcoming. You can remove the clutter yourself, or find a local company to do it for you.
8. Clean your home.
Clean your home as thoroughly as possible. Hire professional cleaners if necessary. No one wants to buy a dirty home. If your home appears dirty to potential buyers it can severely hinder your ability to sell it at a desirable price.
9. Keep the kids away during home showings.
Having your kids around can be a distraction to potential buyers. If they are hanging out playing video games or loud music while a buyer is viewing your home, it can be a potential turn off.
10. Take good quality pictures.
Once everything is clean and presentable, take carefully framed photos for marketing purposes. The better your pictures look, the more potential buyers they will attract.
