It is normal for homeowners to be nervous right before the sale of their home for one reason or another. It is a Realtors job to help ease some of those worries by providing information and support when needed!
One statement I get from homeowners when I talk to them about selling is, "My house isn't ready to sell." But, getting your house ready to sell doesn't have to always cost a lot of money. In fact, sometimes it can be really easy!
Any house can be sold. However, there are easy things that the homeowner can do to freshen up their home before listing without breaking the bank so that they can get top dollar for their home!
Paint
Painting the interior and/or exterior of your home can be affordable and do wonders for the appeal of your home. Buyer's are looking for something clean and fresh to purchase and a new paint job will set you apart. **Bonus tip: choose neutral colors when picking paint. Bright blue may be your favorite, but it's not everyone's favorite. Neutral colors appeal to the most buyers.
2. Declutter
Putting away most personal belongings where it is not in sight can create a blank slate for buyers to envision the space differently. Too many items, decorations, or pictures can make it hard for a buyer to imagine what it would be like to live there. **Bonus tip: when choosing items to remain in the house, choose items that are not too bold or bulky so they are most relatable to prospective buyers.
3. Maintain the Little Things
Replacing that smoke detector battery, adjusting the water heater strap, or inserting a new A/C air filter may seem small, but the little things add up. Maintaining the little things is an affordable way to add appeal to your home as well as make inspections smooth and easy. Any red flag on the home inspection can cause the buyer to take a second look at their interest in your home. Replacing all outlet covers, light switch covers, or even A/C vents in your home give your walls/ceilings a facelift. Something about the clean fixtures in a room gives a whole new feel. That paired with the new paint, it gives a "new home" vibe buyers are looking for. In addition, routine cleaning and maintenance makes big repairs fewer and farther in between-good for you and the future homeowner!
4. Yard Duty
Curb appeal is real! If a buyer comes to see your home and the yard is overgrown or the flowerbeds are full of weeds, their first impression is dampened. Pulling all dead plants, weeds, and debris from the yard can do wonders for your curb appeal. Even no landscaping is better than overgrown, dying plants when it comes to selling a house. A blank slate is better than a dirty one!
5. Watch those smells!
Does your house have a particular smell? When a visitor enters your listing, they want to be able to envision themselves living there. Any distinct smell will be distracting. Try airing out your house with fans, purchasing mild air fresheners, getting the carpets cleaned, and/or washing the curtains to get out any pesky smells that the buyer might pick up on. I even heard that leaving an open container of coffee in the home will help dissolve any smells! Interesting!
6. Take your pets
Whether they are with you or at a friends house, arranging for them to not be home while showings are happening is encouraged. Containing them in a crate can also be effective. But, if there is too many pets or the pets are being loud and distracting, it may make a buyer feel uncomfortable or rushed. It may also make your fur friend feel uncomfortable too! Showings can be arranged on your schedule, so make it the best experience for both your pet and the prospective buyer by taking your pet with you
It doesn't have to cost a lot of money to get your home ready to sell. All repairs can be negotiated in the sale and pricing can always be adjusted. As your Realtor, I will help you every step of the way to get the most out of the sale of your home.
For questions regarding selling your home, please feel free to contact me.
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