Debbie’s Preparing Your Home for Sale Tips
It is very important, when thinking about putting your home on the market for sale, to put a little bit of thought, time and effort into the process in order to maximize the amount of money you receive for your home while minimizing the amount of time you have your home on the market.
Every home seller is different and has different needs, which is why it’s always best to meet with a professional real estate professional first, but there are some basic, non-costly, things you should consider doing before letting the first potential buyer cross your threshold. Some may seem like no-brainers but it’s always good to have them on your list:
- Clean! If your home is not clean, people will automatically think that other things are wrong with your home and will start to deduct money off of the price. Specific areas that need attention are the kitchen, bathrooms, windows, floors (professional carpet or floor cleaning may be necessary), vents and basements. If possible and necessary, you may want to consider painting rooms that are either scuffed up or need to be neutralized.
- Declutter! This is sometimes difficult to do objectively but it will bring you more money than you can imagine. Furniture in a room should be simple and pleasing. Ask your real estate professional for ideas about which pieces of furniture should be removed or moved around while selling. Declutter closets and remove all non-essential items off of the kitchen counter.
- Depersonalize rooms in your home. Occasional personal pictures and other personal items are fine but keep them to a minimum. You want people to picture themselves living in your home, not you.
- Do some exterior maintenance. You’ve heard about curb appeal. This is the first impression a buyer experiences so make it the best. Keep the garden, front and rear, clean. Flowers are always an excellent visual touch. Repair and clean walkways, steps, leaders, gutters and trim, as needed.
These are just a few simple cost effective ideas to help get your home sold for the most amount of money, in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of inconvenience. Your home is very personal to you. This is why it’s very important to let a professional Realtor assist you and be a second set of eyes. They can see things the way a buyer would see your home and give you even more great ideas about preparing your home for that all important sale.
For more ideas, write me at Debbie@debbiemenzer.com
