It’s always exciting when you’re ready to list your home on the market—but it can also be overwhelming trying to prepare everything in time. You’re likely busy enough day-to-day with regular upkeep, so when the time comes to sell, it can be hard to keep track of all the small details.
Making sure your home is in tip-top shape when the buyers come knocking is essential. That’s why I’m here today to help you get your property ready for sale with a few quick and easy steps.
From de-cluttering and home staging to deep cleaning and making sure it's up-to-code, I'm here to make sure your house looks spotless and polished from top to bottom before you put it out there for the world to see!
Make a Great First Impression
You know that first impressions are essential to making a sale, and your home is no exception. It might sound obvious, but you'll want to make sure that your home looks its best for potential buyers.
Begin by keeping the outside of your property neat and tidy; mow the lawn, trim shrubs and hedges, clear leaves from paved areas, and make sure the entryways are inviting. If a buyer sees that the outside area is well-maintained, they’ll already be impressed before they even step inside.
Touch up paintwork around the house; chipped paint or faded wallpaper can give a bad impression and make buyers question how much work it would need to get the home up to their standards. A fresh coating of neutral paint on any woodwork gives a clean look that helps create an ideal atmosphere.
Finally, walk around before potential buyers arrive and de-clutter as much as possible—put away toys, magazines, clothes, or any other small items you might have lying around. Not only will decluttering help create a more spacious feel in each room but it will also help buyers to imagine their own things in each space more easily.
Tackle Minor Repairs to Make a Big Impact
Once you get an idea of what needs to be done to get your home looking its best, it's time to tackle the work.
If you had an inspection done, start off by addressing any minor repairs that need attention. The last thing you want is a future buyer finding more issues and creating more headaches for yourself.
You don't have to be a handyman to take care of small repairs; often all it takes is a little elbow grease.
Some of the items you can consider include:
- Tightening door knobs and cabinet handles
- Replacing burned-out light bulbs
- Cleaning or replacing old switchplates and outlet covers
- Fixing any loose boards on decks and stairs
- Touching up wall paint in scuffed corners or where furniture was removed
Taking care of these minor repairs will make a huge difference when it comes to impressing prospective buyers. In the long run, this small investment could pay off in a greater return on your home sale!
Freshen Up the Interior
As you get ready to sell your home, nothing helps more than a fresh look inside. Your goal is to make the house look its best, so time to grab those paintbrushes and rollers!
Paint It Up
Paint is one of the least expensive projects that you can do to give a home an instant facelift. However, it’s best to use neutral colors if you want potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living in the space.
When selecting a color, choose warm and light tones such as beige or muted greens. You can also use whites, grays, and even blues in certain rooms such as living areas and bedrooms. Avoid bright colors like oranges, fuchsia, and neon green!
Little Details Matter
When it comes to presentation, attention must also be paid to small details in the interior of your home.
These include:
- Replacing any cracked or broken tiles on the floor
- Replacing any damaged door knobs and hinges
- Ensuring all carpets have been thoroughly cleaned
- Wiping down window sills and door frames with a damp cloth for a fresh shine
- Cleaning any light fixtures or swapping them out for brighter ones if necessary
- Taking care of plumbing problems like leaky faucets
These are just some of the many ways you can freshen up your interior before putting your home on the market.
Stage Your Home for Listing Photos
Now that you've cleaned up and removed most of your personal items and clutter, it's time to stage your home! This step is important, as it'll help create a positive first impression on potential buyers.
Staging can be as simple or as advanced as you'd like. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Maximize Your Space
Make sure furniture placement looks natural; if there's too much furniture in one room, it can make the area feel cramped. Furniture and other items also need to be placed in a way that maximizes space—try using furniture corners for seating instead of taking up the center of the room.
Choose Colors Carefully
When selecting curtains or area rugs, choose light and neutral colors that won’t clash with the existing decor of your house. Having too many bold colors in one room can distract people from looking at the features of your home.
Add Fresh Flowers & Natural Light
Fresh flowers and natural light can add an extra touch of warmth to any space, so don’t forget to add them to your staging process! Flowers cheer up a space, while natural lighting makes it appear larger and brighter—both should be taken advantage of when you're trying to make a great impression.
Boost Curb Appeal With Some Landscaping Changes
You can make a huge improvement to your home's curb appeal by doing some landscaping. A few small steps in the right direction can go a long way in making your home stand out from the rest.
Think about it—a great landscape not only boosts your curb appeal but it also increases the value of your home.
So what can you do? Here are a few ideas.
Plant Some Flowers and Foliage
There are so many great options when it comes to flowering plants and foliage that will give your yard that added boost of color and texture. From grasses to trees, there's something for everyone, no matter what type of look you're going for.
Update Your Pathway
If your walkway is looking a little drab, now is the time to spruce it up with some fresh pavers or stones. Not only will it look more inviting, but it will also add more value to your home when you go to sell it.
Add Some Seating Areas
This one is easy—all you need is some chairs or benches and an outdoor rug or two to create the perfect spot for entertaining guests or enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. Bonus points if you add in some garden lights for an extra touch!
Utilize Smart Tech to Win Over Buyers
Sure, a home should look good, but you can elevate it to the next level by incorporating smart technology. Smart tech isn’t just limited to voice assistants—there are plenty of options to give your home an edge!
Automate A/C, Lighting and More
Take advantage of automating lights and temperature systems in your house. Smart thermostats can help you make sure the temperature is comfortable before a showing while managing energy costs in the process. Smart lights can be set to turn on at certain times, so you don't have to worry about manually flipping the switch yourself.
Security Solutions
If you want extra brownie points with potential buyers, install a security system with cameras and motion sensors for added safety. Combining these features with smart locks gives visitors more comfort when entering and leaving your home.
Home Entertainment Systems
Consider putting in a top-notch home entertainment system! Robust sound systems that also support smart speakers will really wow future homeowners—they'll get the full surround-sound experience in their living room or even their outdoor patio.
Many systems also come equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities, like streaming services that play music through connected speakers around the house.
It’s important to choose the right solutions when implementing any type of smart tech into your home. With the right products and setup installed properly, you have the opportunity to raise your property's value and stand out from competing homes on the market!
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting your home ready to sell isn't just about sprucing up the outside; it's also about taking care of the inside. From decluttering and depersonalizing to making minor repairs and improvements, there are many things you can do to get your home in tip-top shape before it goes on the market.
By taking the time to do the necessary work, you'll be able to increase your home's curb appeal, make it more attractive to potential buyers, and boost its market value. So don't wait—start prepping your home for sale and reap the rewards when it's time to put it on the market!
Further Reading:
Get the Most Out of Your Home: Expert Tips for Home Maintenance