10 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Sale
10 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Sale
Whether you're starting a family, downsizing an empty nest or just spotted your dream house, selling your home and moving can be equal parts exciting and stressful. But, don't stake that "For Sale" sign on the lawn just yet. Before you put your house on the market, there are a few things you'll want to take care of to make your property more attractive to a potential buyer.
Give Yourself Curb Appeal
The front yard makes the first impression on a potential buyer. Mow your grass regularly to prevent an unkempt look, and cure any bald spots or brown patches. For an added touch, try placing bright flowers near the entrance to make your home feel as welcoming as possible.
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Clean up the Façade
Power wash your property to give everything a fresh look. Include the siding, windows, driveway and sidewalk. But don't neglect the back of your house, make sure the patio or porch is also clean. Once everything is dry, touch up faded paint spots to have your home looking brand new.
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Seal the Deal
Few things are more deterring to prospective buyers than the idea of costly repairs. If you've had trouble with a leaky roof or drafty windows, now is the time to take care of it. Have a professional take a look, so your sale isn't suddenly stalled by a pre-closing inspection.
Shampoo the Carpets
Your carpet sees a lot of traffic with plenty of spills, stains and dirt. A deep cleaning helps restore both the original look and smell of a new home. Giving these areas a deep clean will go a long way with a potential buyer.
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Clear the Clutter
Save yourself a headache come moving day and rid yourself of the excess. Potential buyers want to imagine their own stuff in that space, not yours. Make your home warm and inviting, but allow others to mentally picture themselves living there. Keeping too much of your own stuff around will just get in the way.
It's Nothing Personal
While it's nice to subtly communicate that your home was a happy one, too many personal items make it harder for potential buyers to imagine themselves living there. While a few pictures on the wall humanize your family, try to minimize exposed elements that others won't relate to.
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Clean the Slate
Now that you've purged some stuff, it's time to make whatever's left look brand spankin' new. Dust and deep clean everything including floors, windows and countertops. Potential buyers will assume you've consistently taken good care of your home if it's spick and span during the viewing.
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Tackle the Honey Do List
Identify any unsightly details that might make your house look less than pristine. Replace light bulbs, clean scuff marks and take care of any blemishes you can find. Is one of the front steps on the porch loose? Does one of your doors not latch properly? Now is the time to fix it.
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Paint a Picture of Home
If you really want to breathe new life into a room, give it a fresh coat of paint. Bold colors may have been your personal style, but others might not feel that way. Go with lighter shades to make the space appear open, and stick with neutral tones to maintain that "blank canvas" feel.
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Set the Stage
Swap out dated décor if you can, giving each room character and value. Don't be afraid to re-arrange furniture and accent pieces to give each room a clear flow and personality. Make sure there's plenty of lighting, and add life to areas like the kitchen and living room with lush plants.
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