Prepping Your Home For A Successful Sale
The Spring market - typically the strongest real estate market of the year - is here! If you are planning to sell your home, doing a little preparation beforehand can potentially help your home sell quicker and for a higher price. If you are able, moving out of your home prior to it going on the market is ideal. Work with your real estate agent on a plan for minor property repairs, cleaning, painting and staging of the home. If you need to remain in the home while it is active on the market, here are things to do to help present your home at its best:
Maximize Curb Appeal
Getting buyers through the front door starts at the curb. Manicure the lawn, and trim the trees and shrubs. Pull weeds and plant some colorful flowers. Clear the walkways. Fix peeling paint and wind up that hose. Paint the address number on the curb.
Make Repairs to Visible Blemishes
Is there something that’s an eyesore, but an easy fix? If looking at it bothers you, it could bother a potential buyer and reduce the appeal of your home. Replace burnt-out light bulbs, fix that loose door handle, and make needed paint touch-ups.
Make a Buyer’s Entrance Inviting
Freshly paint the front door with a color that contrasts the house. Add a new welcome mat and hang a fresh wreath on the door.
Let the Light Shine In
Remove heavy window coverings to let in the natural light we all crave and add lamps to brighten up darker areas to add more cheer.
Remove the Clutter
This serves two purposes.
Remove Personal Items
It will be much easier for potential buyers to imagine your home as theirs when they can envision their own items in it.
Highlight Special Features
Use accents and color to draw eyes to special features that you want potential buyers to notice—throw pillows, plants, or other eye-catching accessories.
Add Mirrors
Use mirrors to make rooms look larger and lighter. Position opposite windows for best effect.
Clean Out Cabinets and Closets
Buyers are nosy and they WILL open the cabinets. Make sure your contents are orderly and organized.
Eliminate Odors
Clean to remove any odors and do not cook any meals with heavy, lasting smells before a showing.
Add Aromas
You can easily add appeal by quartering an orange and adding it to a pot of water with a cinnamon stick. Simmer on low for an inviting aroma. Or bake a fresh batch of cookies (and leave a plate of them on the counter for visitors).
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
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The most recent data from Case-Shiller shows that after being basically flat for a couple of months last year, prices are going up at a national level – just not as qu… Read more
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The housing market is in a transition in the second half of 2024. Here are four reasons why this may be a buyers chance to jump back into the market.
Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008. That crash impacted the lives of countless people, and many now live with … Read more
Setting the right price from the start is key. While it might be tempting to try shooting high with your price, that can slow down the selling process big time.
One of the best pieces of news for both buyers and sellers is that mortgage rates are expected to come down a bit.
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.