How to Get Your Home Ready to Sell Successfully

Contributed by Seth Murphy

Photo Credit Pexels - Curtis Adams

Selling your residence is a major undertaking and can be very stressful. Fortunately, there are ways to make the process go more smoothly. Research shows that staged homes, those that are presented in a way that appeals to the greatest number of potential buyers, sell more easily than other properties. The professionals at Exit Realty have some suggestions to help you get your home sold quickly and at the right price.

Address Major Issues

 Most sellers want to be as frugal as possible, but there are some issues that need to be addressed before you list your house. These are issues that may pose safety concerns or could be a big red warning sign to potential buyers. Things like replacing an old HVAC unit or roof may seem like a big expense, but you can likely get your money back through the sale. And no one will want to invest in a home with cracked or rusted pipes, so check with a plumbing expert to see what it would take to address these issues.

Clean Up and Clear Out

 When preparing to list your home, the first step is to declutter. Doing so allows potential buyers to view the structure in a more neutral state. Clutter can make a house feel cramped and small. Decluttering showcases the structure’s available space. Throw away or donate things you no longer need. Consider renting a storage space to house items that you want to keep that could be distracting to potential buyers, such as personal photos and collections of memorabilia.

When the clutter is cleared out, it is time to deep clean. Clean the baseboards, tops of ceiling fans, blinds, and other areas that are often neglected during routine maintenance. Rent a steamer for the carpets. Remove any mold growing in the home. When looking for mold, pay close attention to bathrooms and basements.

Make Small Upgrades

 Certain small upgrades can have a large impact on the appraisal value of your home. This means that completing the project costs only slightly more (and sometimes even less) than the resulting increase in the sale price. Painting is a particularly good investment when preparing to sell. Potential buyers often prefer not to have to paint before moving in, so doing this task for them makes your house more appealing. Choose neutral colors, perhaps tan or gray, but avoid harsh neutrals such as bright white. The goal is to help potential buyers see their furniture and accessories fitting into their new home seamlessly.

Some homeowners choose to rent furniture when staging their residence. However, this is not practical for every budget. If you have worn furniture that you want to freshen up before your first open house, reupholstering can make a huge difference. You can find reupholstering services online, or you can try your hand at DIY reupholstery.

Spruce Up the Exterior

 The outside of your home is the first thing that potential buyers see. Although fancy landscaping may not be worth the cost, a thorough yard cleanup almost always is. Rake up leaves, mow the grass, and pull weeds. Throw away any junk that has accumulated. Move toys and yard equipment to a garage or shed. If you don’t have somewhere to store those items, arrange them as neatly as possible. Gather up lawn ornaments. Hose down outdoor furniture if necessary.

A clean exterior is a strong asset. Remove debris from the roof and clean the gutters. Pressure wash the sides of your home. If mildew or fungus is present, you may need to spray the affected area with bleach first. Use tarps to keep grass and plants safe from cleaning chemicals. Add some color by repainting your front door and adding some potted plants in strategic places, too.

When you live in a home, it should reflect your tastes and lifestyle. However, when you sell, the house should be clean and clutter-free so that potential buyers can imagine a space that suits their preferences. Follow these tips to help get you through the home selling process quickly and as easily as possible.