Putting your home on the market can be as daunting as it is exciting. Remember- selling a home requires a lot more than having your real estate agent add your listing to the MLS. As a homeowner, there are several things you’ll want to do before that listing goes live.
From enhancing curb appeal to staging the interiors, there are a variety of things that you’ll want to do that can maximize your home’s appeal and attract more interested buyers. In some cases, completing various projects before you put your home on the market may be able to help you secure a favorable sale price.
If you’re thinking about listing your home in 2023, below are just a few of the things you should consider.
Start with a Thorough Cleaning
The first step to preparing your home for sale is to give it a thorough, top-to-bottom cleaning. Clear out clutter, deep clean every room, and pay attention to often overlooked areas such as baseboards, windows, and appliances. If you have carpet, now is the time to start looking for a carpet cleaning service. Additionally, if you don’t have time to fully scrub your home yourself, it may be wise to hire professional cleaners.
Remember, a spotless home not only creates a positive first impression , it can also give buyers a sense that the property has been well-maintained.
Enhance Your Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, so it’s of crucial importance that you take steps to make a strong impression. You can improve your home’s curb appeal by mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and planting flowers or shrubs. If you have plants or flowers that have died (or are close to dying), be sure to replace them.
Other steps you can take to enhance your home’s curb appeal include repainting the front door, cleaning the exterior windows, pressure washing your driveway, and ensuring that needed exterior repairs (such as fixing your front steps and/or repairing broken sprinklers) are handled before your home goes on the market.
A welcoming and well-kept exterior can be quite enticing to house hunters.
Neutralize and Depersonalize
When potential buyers visit your home, you’ll want to make sure they can envision themselves living there. Consequently, you’ll want to remove personal items such as family photos, kids’ drawings that are taped to the refrigerator, and nick-nacks to create a neutral and inviting space.
Neutral colors on the walls and furniture can also help potential buyers imagine their own belongings in the house. If one or more rooms in your home have been painted with loud, bold colors, it may be worth repainting them. Lastly, consider removing excessive furniture to create a more spacious feel.
Tackle Your Repairs List
Before your home’s listing goes live, you should address any and all noticeable repairs or maintenance issues in your home. For example, fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked tiles. Ensure all appliances are in working order and replace any burnt-out light bulbs. This can help demonstrate that your home has been well cared for.
Stage Your Home
Staging your home can significantly improve buyers’ perception of its potential. If interior design isn’t your forte, consider hiring a professional stager who understands how to optimize furniture placement, create appealing vignettes, and highlight each room’s best features.
If you’d like to try to handle this job yourself, you can start by decluttering, rearranging furniture, and strategically placing attractive decorative items throughout your home. (Discount stores often have fantastic deals on artwork, decorative throw pillows, and candles.)
Showcase Your Home’s Key Features
Take a minute to think about the most unique and attractive features of your home. If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s clean and well-maintained. If there are hardwood floors, have professional cleaners polish them to a shine. Emphasize ample storage space, energy-efficient upgrades, or recent renovations. Lastly, ask your real estate agent how they plan to showcase your home’s highlights online. (This is often done by using professional photography / videography.)
In closing
Getting your home ready before you put it on the market is a crucial step in ensuring a successful sale. For more information on the steps you can take to ready your home for sale in 2023, be sure to talk to a local real estate agent that you trust.
