This is a brief article explaining some steps that soon-to-be sellers can take to make sure their home shows at it’s best and sells for the most.
So you’re thinking about selling your home. Now what? Other than speaking to a realtor, there are a few things you can do to get your home ready to put on the market:
1. Pre-listing Inspection
One of the first things you should do is have a licensed home inspector evaluate your home. This gives you a chance to discover any unknown issues your home might have, as well as remedy the important ones before future buyers come through. This will help make negotiations easier when the buyer conducts their own home inspection.
2. Minor Cosmetic Updating
A fresh coat of paint will do wonders! You don’t need to do a full remodel, but new paint, carpet, or refinishing your hardwood floors will take even the oldest home and make it seem new. Replacing older fixtures with more modern ones will have the same effect. This includes light fixtures, door handles, outlet covers, etc.
3. Cleaning
Cleaning your home is essential! Clean your carpets, wash your walls, scrub your counters, remove any stains, and do everything possible to make the home look like it’s hardly been lived in. If you’re still living in the home when you sell, keeping it fresh and clean will be a daily necessity. The shinier the home, the more likely you are to receive an offer!
4. De-clutter
This is done on top of the cleaning I mentioned. Some of us are guilty of not realizing how many “things” we have laying on our counters, piled on floors, or even displayed on walls or shelves. “Less is better” is the rule. This doesn’t mean your home needs to be a blank slate, but it should have just enough to fill the space and keep it comfortable. For a great reference, search the web for pictures of “staged homes” or “model homes” and use them as your guideline.
5. Plan to Temporarily Remove Pets
Most of us are immune to the smell of our animal family members. Future buyers on the other hand, are not. We love our pets, but they can be a burden when selling: Whether it’s limiting showings until you can get home to lock your dog in a crate, the smell of a litter box, or turning off a buyer who might not be fond of certain animals. The safest thing you can do is hire somebody who can sell your home quickly and keep your pets out of the home until you receive an offer. If removing your pets for long periods of time isn’t a possibility, then be prepared to take them with you for short periods while buyers are walking through the home.
6. Staging??
This is a disputed topic among realtors. Some say it’s a waste of money while others say it is a necessity. Truthfully, it depends on the home. Some homes are already so well decorated and laid out that staging would be a waste of time. On the other hand, there might be a vacant house with bedrooms that appear small and could benefit from adding furniture to show how the space can be utilized. If staging is in your budget, ask your realtor whether they believe it will help you sell quicker or get a higher price.
While these six tips are great starting points, remember that every home is unique. The best way to make sure your home is ready to sell is to speak with a qualified realtor and get a personalized marketing consultation. Have a great day!
Adam Somers
Real Estate Consultant
(734) 751-5508
adam@dimora.com
*For more advice on how to get your home ready to sell, please contact Adam Somers at adam@dimora.com.