One of the biggest questions real estate professionals get asked from a seller is, “what do I need to do to prepare my home for sale?” It is well known that investing some time and effort to prepare your home for the market will increase your chances of receiving better offers but when you have lived in your home for a long time, it is easy to overlook things that may make or break the ability to lure in a buyer when the time comes to sell.
Today, we are going to share five of our top tips to keep in mind while getting your home ready for sale. If you at least follow these five tips, you will be in great shape when it comes time to attract a buyer.
1. Declutter and clean:
According to professional home stagers, it is recommended to remove about 50% of your personal belongings. Big open spaces tend to be great selling points. It can make a significant difference when you make your rooms look as spacious and clean as possible. Pro tip: don’t just shove your belongings in closets and cabinets as buyers will tend to look inside all those places.
Use nice storage bins which can be tucked under beds or neatly stacked in your garage for optimal showing potential. Baskets and cubbies can also make things look nice and clean. Decluttering also includes furniture and wall art. Make sure the scale of your furniture matches the size of the room and remember, less is more when it comes to selling your home, allowing potential buyers to envision themselves in the space without distractions.
2. Depersonalize your home:
In addition to 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. Neutralize the space by removing items such as family photos, souvenirs, religious symbols, diplomas and certificates, hobby supplies, and collections, including CDs and DVDs. You don’t want a buyer to feel like they’re intruding in your space or, worse, take offense at your lifestyle. Also, consider updating your accessories and furnishings if your décor is outdated or avant-garde. You don’t want buyers to miss out on key features of your home because they’re distracted by your belongings.
3. No smell is the best smell:
Undoubtedly, odors wield significant influence over the sale of your home. Beware of air fresheners. They can be counterproductive, overwhelming the air instead of enhancing it.
Certain scents, such as smoke, pets, mold, cooking, and potent candles, are sure to repel potential buyers. Ideally, your home should exude a neutral fragrance. To achieve this, ensure ample ventilation by opening windows and doors, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the house. Consider scheduling a professional carpet cleaning 5 to 7 days prior to listing your property, as initially, there may be a temporary exacerbation of odors during days 2 to 3 as they rise to the surface. Additionally, applying a fresh coat of paint can serve as a remedy, effectively masking any lingering strong odors that might be present.
4. Fresh Paint:
Transform your home with a fresh coat of paint, breathing new life into even the most outdated spaces. Opting for a neutral color palette, such as elegant grays or timeless whites, is key. Let’s consider the scenario where, like many parents, you allowed your children to choose vibrant and lively hues for their bedrooms. While this decision undoubtedly brought joy to your child, when it comes time to sell, the impact of selecting neutral tones cannot be overstated. Sellers often express concerns about the time-consuming nature of painting, stating, “I don’t have the time for it.” While it is true that buyers can easily choose to paint themselves, it is essential to recognize that not all buyers possess the same level of imagination when viewing a home online or in person. Our ultimate objective is to captivate as many potential buyers as possible.
We are confident that these valuable tips will assist you in achieving a remarkable presentation of your home on the market. By following these four essential guidelines, we guarantee a more positive market response and a smoother sales process.
On a personal note, we would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity to provide engaging and informative real estate content throughout the past year. It has been an absolute pleasure to share our knowledge with you, and we hope that you have found it both enjoyable and enlightening. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we sincerely hope that you have gained valuable insights along the way!
