“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.”
-J.P. Morgan
What should I focus on to get my home market ready?
How can I prepare my home for a quick sale?
Tips for enchanting buyer appeal to get my asking price.
Maximizing the potential of your home sale blends the opportunity of getting your asking price with the challenge of making a [positive] memorable first impression. This guide provides ten essential tips for homeowners looking, whether you’re teaming up with a seasoned Realtor or navigating the sale process on your own. Let’s make sure your property does well in the competitive market.
1. Clean and Declutter:
Start by giving your home a deep clean. Dust, vacuum, and disinfect all surfaces. Scrub, scrub, scrub! Ask for help or hire a professional if you must. If you’re not taking it to your new home, now is the time to get it out of there! Decluttering will create a spacious, inviting atmosphere. If you’re in North Kansas City Missouri, check out this guide to help with knowing what to do with your unwanted things. [Recycling in the Northland].
2. Neutralize and Depersonalize:
Create a neutral canvas by removing personal items and photos. Clear off the countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms and remove all items from the shower. This allows potential buyers to envision themselves in the space and gives the home a more neutral and staged feel.
3. Repairs and Maintenance:
Fix any minor repairs and tackle maintenance tasks like leaky faucets or squeaky doors that don’t close properly. A well-maintained, move in ready home is more appealing to buyers. Homes that come with a To-Do list can chip away the price buyers are willing to offer.
4. Paint and Touch Up:
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Address scuffs and imperfections on walls, doors, and trim. Pro Tip: If you have vibrant taste in wall color, repaint in a neutral color. Just trust me on this one.
5. Kitchen and Bathroom Updates:
These rooms are major points of interest. Make minor updates like changing hardware, painting cabinets, and refreshing the grout for a more modern look. When kitchens and bathrooms look dated, buyers tend to subtract “estimated renovation costs” from their offer price. If you’re going to make some major renovations, consider checking out my blog [Common Renovation Mistakes to Avoid], first.
6. Staging:
Consider professional staging to highlight your home’s best features, or I can give you recommendations. If that’s not an option, rearrange furniture and décor to showcase the space effectively. Remember, showings aren’t about showing off your stuff, but rather showing off your home and letting someone else envision their stuff there. Less is more when it comes to staging.
7. Lighting:
Ensure your home is well-lit. Clean windows, pull back the blinds, and replace any burnt-out bulbs. If your home is vacant, consider (temporarily) leaving behind some lighting to brighten up corners and darker areas, like a nice floor lamp for example.
8. Carpets and Flooring:
Clean or replace carpets and refresh the flooring where needed. Clean, well-maintained floors make a significant difference, and I cannot stress this enough, with an emphasis on carpet.
9. Eliminate Funky Odors:
You might be nose blind to your beloved critters or smoke smell, but the strangers that come to your showings aren’t. Keep in mind that smells linger in fabrics, so wash everything! It seems like a lot of work but take my word for it – really offensive smells stop potential buyers right at the front door.
10. Curb Appeal:
Make your home stand out from the street. Give it a fresh mow and trim. Clean leaves and stick debris from around the house and flower beds. Ensure the exterior looks welcoming. If you want to elevate your appeal, power wash the house, front porch, driveway, and sidewalks. Pro tip: If you have white trim, touch the paint up.
By following these 10 steps, you’ll not only enhance the appeal of your home but also increase your chances of a successful sale and getting the price you want. These preparations will attract top dollar buyers, making your property more competitive in the real estate market.
Here’s another blog you might find helpful: Selling Myths: Debunked
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