Dressed to kill? The chances are you’re trying to impress someone. The same logic applies when selling your home. First impressions count. The appearance of your property matters, especially when you’re looking to secure a quick sale.
There’s a lot you can do to prepare your home before the viewings begin. Put your best foot forward and give yourself a head start. This will mean your house isn’t just ‘good to go’ but likely to be snapped up fast. Here’s how.
1. Maximize Curb Appeal
Potential buyers will make an initial impression the moment they drive up to your property. If the grass looks untended or if the driveway’s full of weeds then they might wonder how well the entire property has been looked after.
Take a hard look at the front of your home and imagine you’re the buyer. It may not take a great deal of effort or cash to make improvements that could make a world of difference. If there’s paint flaking off the front door, give it a fresh new coat.
Ensure all landscaping is well groomed and that your lawns are mowed. Stay on top of all these small jobs until the house is sold. Once you think the outside is as good as it can be, ask a friend for an objective opinion.
Another pair of eyes may see things you don’t. Take on board any suggestions to improve curb appeal. That could mean refilling the planters with some colorful shrubs or adding some hanging baskets.
2. Make Sensible Upgrades
The kitchen and the bathroom are often the most important rooms for any buyer. If yours are in need of an upgrade it may not be necessary to carry out an expensive remodel.
Consult your agent to see how well your home compares with others in the area. It may be enough to simply change a sink, paint the kitchen units or buy a new shower curtain. One or two cosmetic changes could make a big difference.
Most buyers will want to have a certified inspection carried out. Their lender may make a satisfactory report a condition for releasing any funds. It’s wise not to simply ignore repairs such as leaky pipes or sticky windows.
If you don’t get things fixed then a buyer might have no other choice other than to walk away until you do. Worse, they could simply move on altogether.
3. Declutter Your Home
Always depersonalize your property by removing family photos, quirky ornaments or anything garish. Just because you like bright colors doesn’t mean everyone else does.
Remove pet accessories and declutter your home so that all spaces are neat and tidy. Give potential buyers the opportunity to imagine how the home could look with their personality stamped on it. Think of your house as now being a blank canvas.
If you have a tendency to hoard then consider hiring a storage unit temporarily so that your home’s as clear as possible. Once you can see the wood from the trees it might be worth redecorating some of the walls with neutral colors.
4. Selling Your Home at the Right Price
Setting the right listing price is one of the most important factors for selling your home fast. Seek expert advice from your real estate agent. They’ll have a far better understanding of the market than you do.
It may be tempting to put the property on the market at a high price. You might think you’ve nothing to lose by waiting to see what happens. This strategy is one of several common mistakes to avoid.
Buyers could think the house hasn’t sold because there’s something wrong with it. They could pass you by in the mistaken belief that an older listing means the house can’t pass the necessary inspections.
Underpricing a little might create more competition. That could attract multiple bids and then even a bidding war.
5. Lights, Camera, Action!
Most home buyers will begin searching for properties online. That means it’s vital that you have great photos which show off the property’s best selling points and features.
You’ll need to market your home once you’ve dressed it and carried out any necessary improvements. It’s a wise investment to hire a professional photographer. They’ll know how to make your home look fabulous.
They’ll be able to advise you when the light is best for taking photographs. Being able to put out the best photos will make it far easier to reel in potential buyers.
6. Fix up the Flooring
Flooring can make a huge impact on buyers. Replacing any areas that have become worn can be effective and cost very little.
A fresh carpet can give the impression that the house has been well looked after. Consider a new mat at the front door. It may the first thing a buyer’s going to see as they enter the home.
7. Keep the Place Clean
You’ve dressed the house, decluttered it, and carried out any essential maintenance. You’re not done yet! You’ll need to make sure you clean the whole house thoroughly and stay on top of it.
Strange or unpleasant smells can be a real turn-off for potential buyers. It might be essential to hire in some professional help to ensure any carpets are up to scratch and free of any stains.
If the outer walls and exterior porches are looking grimy then give them a good clean. Rent a power washer to make sure everything’s bright and sparkling.
Keeping a house that looks fresh and clean will create a good and lasting impression. It also means buyers will think that you’ve cared about the place and have therefore looked after it.
The Best Chance of Finding a Buyer
A lot of work goes into making sure your home is at its best. It needs to look well-kept so that buyers can visualize living in it. Setting the right price right too will give you the best chance of selling your home quickly.
Check here for our top tips to sell your house if it’s in poor condition.
