When you’re getting ready to sell your home, there are a few essential things to take care of before putting it on the market. Preparing your home for sale can help ensure that you get the best price possible and that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Here are a few things you should do before selling your current home:
1. Clean up the yard
One of the first things potential buyers will see when they visit your home is the yard. Make sure it’s clean and tidy, with no overgrown plants or debris lying around. If necessary, trim the lawn and bushes, and sweep and mop the driveway and sidewalks.
2. Touch up the paint
If your home needs a fresh coat of paint, now is the time to do it. A coat of paint can make your home look much nicer and newer. A fresh coat of paint also helps new buyers envision their belongings in the space.
3. Get the house inspected
It’s important to have a field inspection done on your home before putting it on the market. This will help you identify any potential problems with the property that you may not have known about. Fixing these issues before selling can help reduce the chances of getting lowball offers from buyers.
4. Stage the home
Staging your home can make it much more appealing to potential buyers. By decluttering and rearranging furniture, you can create a spacious and inviting atmosphere that buyers will love.
5. Price it right
One of the most important things to do when selling your home is to price it correctly. You don’t want to ask for too much or too little, so it’s important to do your research and find out what similar homes in your area are selling for. Pricing your home too high scare away buyers, while pricing it too
3. Repair any damage
Make sure you repair any damage to the home before putting it on the market. This includes fixing holes in the walls, repairing broken windows, and fixing any plumbing or electrical issues.
4. Get rid of clutter
Clutter can make a home look messy and unorganized. Start by getting rid of any unnecessary furniture, knick-knacks, or other items that are taking up space. This will help create a more open and spacious feeling in the home.
5. Fix up the bathrooms and kitchen
The bathroom and kitchen are two of the most critical rooms in a home. Make sure they’re both in good condition and clean before showing your home to potential buyers. Replace any cracked tiles, fix any leaks, and scrub down the cabinets and countertops.
6. Organize the closets
While you’re decluttering, take the opportunity to clean out your closet. Organize all your clothes by type and color for a more attractive look. Remember to declutter your clothes by removing any items that are dated or that you haven’t worn in more than a year.
7. Fix any broken appliances
Do a walk-through of your home with an appliance repair professional. They can help identify any worn-down or broken appliances that need to be replaced before selling your home. If you decide to replace anything, make sure it’s in line with the new style trends so that buyers will like what they see.
8. Get rid of the carpet
If your home has an old or stained carpet, it’s a good idea to get rid of it before putting it on the market. Replacing the carpet with hardwood or tile flooring can make your home look much more stylish and open, which is ideal for potential buyers.
9. Wash the windows
Like paint, fresh new windows can give your home a more modern and updated look. Ask a friend or family member to help you wash each window from the inside and outside to get rid of any caked-on dirt that may be making your home look dated.
10. Find out the average utility costs for similar homes in your area
Utility costs can vary depending on where you live and what sort of heating and cooling system you have. To avoid underselling or overpricing your home, find out how much it costs to maintain a similar-sized house in your neighborhood.
11. Update any outdated appliances
If any appliances haven’t been replaced since before you purchased the home, consider replacing them before putting your home on the market. Outdated appliances can give buyers the impression that your home is behind the times.
12. Perform final field inspections
Before putting your home on the market, make one last inspection of all the rooms in your house. Look for any previously missed deficiencies and get them fixed before anyone else does. This will help you avoid any last-minute headaches and problems with the sale.
Preparing your home for sale is a lot of work, but it will pay off in the long run. If you’re looking for real estate advice or services, contact a local realtor to get started finding a new home that meets all of your needs.