Four Must Do’s Before Selling Your House
If you’ve been paying attention to the market, you know that it’s a great time to be a seller. But with homes moving fast, it can feel like a whirlwind process. That’s where we can help! Make sure your selling process goes as smoothly and successfully as possible by completing these four must do’s before putting your house on the market.
1. Find A Great Agent
Looking for an agent might not seem like an obvious first step before listing, but the truth is, a knowledgeable real estate agent can benefit the entire process. An agent can help you understand the particularities of your local market, know what repairs to make (and which ones to skip), and can help you get prepared for a sale that maximizes your return on investment. An agent with strong local knowledge can ensure that your home is prepared, and that you’re taking the steps that are most appropriate for your market.
Your agent can also provide insight into the process of selling itself. From explaining the contingencies you and the buyer will likely request, to the inspection process, all the way through what to expect at closing, your agent can ensure that you are comfortable with the process before you get started.
2. Declutter And Depersonalize
No matter how long you’ve been living in your home, it’s easy to start adding personal touches throughout it. But when it comes to selling time, potential buyers want to see decluttered, depersonalized, open spaces. The goal is to let the potential homebuyer picture themselves in the house, which is easier when they’re given a relatively blank slate.
Don’t underestimate the importance of decluttering, as well. Most of us think about getting rid of piles of paper and items visible on counters and surfaces, but really, it should go deeper. For example, cleaning out closet space can make them look bigger and more functional. Doing the same for garages can make a big impact, as well.
It may seem like a tough task to tackle, but according to HomeLight, decluttering alone can boost your expected asking price by up to $2,500.
3. Put on a Fresh Coat of Paint
Painting is a relatively low-cost way to make your home feel refreshed, and well-maintained to potential buyers. Especially if you have very personal color choices in your home, painting in a neutral color can make your home seem more spacious and clean, as well as giving potential buyers the chance to envision themselves in the space.
Light colors tend to accentuate the home’s natural light, as well as making your space seem larger to potential buyers. In making your paint color choices, stick to blues, grays, and light greens, as these colors tend to enhance potential buyers’ sense of well-being and calm while they visit your home.
4. Deep Clean the Entire Space
Most important of all, you’re going to need a top-to-bottom deep clean. From the sometimes forgotten, hard to reach areas like the tops of ceiling fans and underneath appliances, to your more traditional spots, the entire home needs to be deep cleaned before people come in for the best first impression.
If you don’t regularly engage a cleaning service, this can be a great time to consider a professional deep cleaning of your home, making sure that it is ready for a parade of visitors without adding an additional burden to your already busy schedule.