4 Effective Steps to Selling Your Home like a Pro
Before you put your home on the market, there are four important things you should do to prepare. Following these steps will make sure you and your home are ready for potential buyers.
The steps to get you and your home ready for sale include Research, Clean & Declutter, Repairs, & Staging
1. RESEARCH
Part of the research process might include consulting with a real estate agent. This could give you an estimate of your home’s value and you may learn the best way to market your home.
You’ll also want to research homes that have sold recently in your neighborhood. With this information, you will understand the market value of your home and set a fair price.
Finally, you should be prepared to negotiate with potential buyers to get the best possible price for your home.
2. DECLUTTER & DEEP CLEAN
A little hard work now can mean a quicker sale and a higher price later. Here are four things to do when preparing to sell your home:
Declutter—
This means getting rid of anything you don’t need or use and making sure all surfaces are clear of clutter, dust, and debris. A decluttered home will appear larger and will be more appealing to potential buyers.
If you have children, declutter their rooms and pack away toys. Buyers want to see a home that looks spacious, not one that’s crammed full of stuff.
Deep Clean—
Once your home is clutter-free, it’s time to deep clean.
Deep cleaning includes shampooing any carpeted areas, waxing any hardwood floors, and sweeping and moping the kitchen and bathrooms. And don’t forget the baseboards.
Dusting, wiping down counters, cabinets, and other areas, will help prospective buyers see themselves living in a clean and clutter-free environment. Painting and repairing any damage are also important.
3. REPAIRS
A garage door off its hinges could be a deal-breaker for potential buyers, so be sure to repair anything that might kill the sale.
Appliances on their last leg (like a busted hot water heater or an HVAC system on the fritz) should be repaired or replaced. Making the necessary repairs will make your home more appealing to buyers.
PAINT
Interior paint should be neutral. Avoid very bright and extremely dark colors. Even a brightly colored accent wall could turn a prospective buyer off. Shades of white, gray, and brown work best. They give your home a relaxed and welcoming feel.
4. STAGING (INTERIOR and EXTERIOR)
Home staging is the process of preparing a private residence for sale in the real estate marketplace. The goal of staging is to make your home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling your property more quickly and for more money.
Although home staging is primarily associated with the interior of a home, the process may also involve improving the exterior of the property, such as the landscaping.
Here’s how to stage your home effectively before selling.
Interior—
Once you’ve decluttered and cleaned the inside, you’ll want to stage your home. Homeowners should stage their home in a way that makes it look inviting and spacious. In addition to decluttering and painting, another crucial step in preparing your home for sale is staging.
Your home should look its best for potential buyers. This means arranging furniture to create a spacious and open feel and removing personal items like family photos. You want buyers to imagine themselves living in your home, so it’s important to make it as neutral as possible. This can be difficult for potential buyers to imagine if your home is too personal.
Arrange your furniture in a way that makes your home look its best. You want the space to look warm and inviting.
Exterior—
First, you’ll want to make sure the outside of your home is in good condition. Often referred to as Curb Appeal, this means ensuring the outside of your home is in great shape.
Making sure your lawn, shrubbery, and trees are trimmed, neat, and well-manicured will invite potential buyers inside.
Power washing the outside of your home, driveway, and the pavement around your home will give the appearance of cleanliness. Replacing chipped or broken pavers is also a good strategy. Eliminating the appearance of clutter outside the home will ensure your home is ready to greet prospects.
A pop of color on your front door against the power washed areas around your home will make potential buyers feel more welcome. Just be sure to consider how your paint color choice will look at various times of the day.
