30 Tips to Get Your Home Ready to Sell!
If you’re thinking it might be time to sell your home, here is a great list for how to prepare. I can help you organize and prioritize this list into an easy to follow calendar if you need guidance!
Declutter. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it is not as straight forward as it might seem. I would say after you have decluttered your home as much as you think you can, take a break, and then declutter again! If you can’t move out completely first, then the goal is to make your home look as “staged” as possible with your own belongings.
Fresh coat of paint…everywhere. Just do it! To me, it’s the same as if you were a landlord and needing to paint before the next tenant moves in. The buyers will definitely appreciate it, it will make your home shine, and it will also make it seem fresh and new.
Service your HVAC. Unless you have a new home and/or a brand new HVAC system, you should service your furnace. Buyers like to see this because it shows that you are taking care of your home (and it’s the next best thing to having a brand new system).
New front door or paint it! This goes along with curb appeal. Buyers love a pretty front door, and it’s the first thing that welcomes them to see yours. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the front door as well.
New light fixtures if possible, but definitely all new light bulbs. A fun new light fixture over the dining table or entryway can make a bold statement. Don’t go too far in one direction stylistically because you want to appeal to the masses, but you want to spark a feeling in buyers that inspires their emotions! Remember that all light fixtures stay with the home (unless you specify otherwise) so don’t get too attached. Just think of it as a house warming gift to the new buyers. All new light bulbs is about consistency in lighting colors and insurance that they all work. The last thing you want is for a buyer to enter your home and to have the lights not work, or for them to be all different shades (which only distracts buyers instead of letting them focus on your beautiful home).
Deep cleaning. I always recommend a hired cleaning company to come in and do a thorough cleaning. There are a couple reasons for this: first, the buyers will appreciate it and second, professional cleaners will probably get to areas that you forget in your daily cleaning.
Clean windows. You want buyers to enjoy the view and not to focus on how dirty your windows are. If you have screens, consider removing them and storing in the garage or basement while your home is on the market. This helps ensure your views are crystal clear.
Update kitchen if budget allows. It sounds cliche, but kitchens and bathrooms (see below) truly do sell houses! You don’t have to do a complete remodel, but a fresh coat of paint (including cabinets if necessary) and new hardware can really make a huge difference!
Update bathroom if budget allows. An updated vanity, tile, tub, and even toilet can make a significant improvement in buyer’s eyes. It’s important not to overspend, but if you have the means your money will go far.
New hardware. Not only in the kitchen, but also throughout the house on doors and closets.
Update/paint/reimagine fire place. Your fireplace is likely the focal point of your living room or dining room and therefore, something buyers will notice right away. Giving it a quick update will improve the look of your whole house!
Stage if possible. A staged house sells quicker and for more money than an unstaged house! Most buyers need help to envision their belongings in a house. Staging helps paint a picture as well as a way of life.
Landscaping. Adding visual interest and putting in fresh mulch will do wonders for your curb appeal. Buyers want to see color and clean landscaping.
Plant flowers. Especially near the front door! It will add to your curb appeal and make your home pop!
Remove all personal photographs. If the home cannot be vacant and staged, then the next best thing is to create a “staged” feeling. Buyers shouldn’t see who lives in the house now because you want them to envision themselves living in the house.
Clean roof and gutters. Not only will it make your home look clean and presentable, it will also show buyers that you keep up on home maintenance.
Organize garage. A garage is a huge selling point for buyers! Showcase how great it is by keeping it tidy and neat.
Create an inviting outdoor space. Especially if you are selling in the Spring or Summer! Consider the outdoor space an extension of your home’s square footage. Buyers love to see that they can entertain outside or dine al fresco.
Have your carpets professionally cleaned. If replacing carpets is not in the budget, then having them cleaned is the next best thing. This deep cleaning will help take away any odors or allergens that you might not notice, but buyers will.
Refinish hardwoods. If needed, this can be a great way to make your home shine.
Have area rugs professionally cleaned. Or buy inexpensive new rugs. Again, rugs can hold odors that you might not notice. If you plan to take your rugs with you, it might be worth rolling them up and just buying cheap rugs for going on the market. That way you preserve your rugs and provide a fresh feeling to buyers.
Buy new house numbers. Not necessary, but updated house numbers can give your entryway a welcome modern feel.
Update entryway path/sidewalk for maximum curb appeal. If you don’t have a path to your front door, adding one can be a perfect way to welcome buyers into your home.
New exterior paint on house if needed. Curb appeal really matters. You can have a beautiful home on the inside, but if the outside is a wild or strange color, many buyers won’t even make it to the front door.
Clean driveway. Your driveway is an extension of your home. If it is cluttered or dirty, buyers can start to nitpick before they even enter your house.
Consider providing a home inspection to perspective buyers. If you feel like your home is in great condition, providing a seller procured inspection can be a nice way to encourage buyers to be very interested in your home. You are showing your confidence and disclosing everything, which buyers will appreciate.
Fix any fencing that needs it. Again, buyers like to see that the home has been well taken care of. By fixing any known issues you are also eliminating the buyers ability to point out flaws and negotiate.
Plan a mini-vacation for the week your home first hits the market. If you can’t completely move out prior to listing your home, the next best option is to plan to be out of your house for a period of days to give buyers a chance to see it freely.
Have a plan for your pets. If you have pets, you should also come up with a plan for where they can stay during the first week (at least). Many buyers have allergies, and you don’t want to lose a potential buyer because they couldn’t stop sneezing while viewing your home!
Mow your lawn. Last but not least! Fresh cut grass is almost like fresh baked cookies in the oven. The smell and the look are nostalgic for buyers.
That’s it! In all honesty, there is a bit more that goes into selling your home. However, this list is a nice starting point for you to consider. When you are ready to sell, contact me!
I can help advise you on the most important projects to get your home sold without wasting your money on projects that won’t matter. No two homes are alike, and therefore you need an expert to help guide you through selling your home. I’m ready to assist and get your home sold quicker and for more!
