Take a look at this checklist before putting home on market
Selling your home can be smooth sailing, or it can be a major headache. Most buyers today are looking for a move-in-ready home, which means that even small flaws, especially if they’re visible, can make it difficult to sell your home.
Here are a few tips to check out before putting your house on the market. Hopefully, following this advice will help get your house sold in a timely manner.
• Declutter your spaces.
We are all guilty of creating clutter. Take the time to pick up those shoes, clear that mail that has been collecting on your kitchen table, and take care of anything else that might detract a potential buyer.
• Clean your home, or have it cleaned professionally.
I know that no one really enjoys having to clean the house, but it is definitely worth it. Be sure to catch those hidden areas that you might normally skip. For example, clean the ceiling-fan blades, polish your appliances and faucets, and do a little dusting.
• Make those minor repairs.
Not all repairs are costly. Torn door or window screens, cracked caulking or dripping faucets can all be fixed on a tight budget.
• Arrange a pre-sale home inspection. Hiring a home inspector will alert you to any potential issues your home might have that will cause your buyers to walk.
• Have replacement estimates done.
If you have any potential repairs on the horizon, have written estimates to give to potential buyers. This way, your buyers will be able to budget and will know whether they can purchase the home with the needed
repairs. It might also be handy to gather up all of your home warranties, guarantees and user manuals for appliances and other items you expect to leave in the home.
• Make the front door inviting.
Adding a wreath to the front door and a new doormat are nice touches that will make your home look inviting.
• Boost your curb appeal. Trim those hedges that are starting to overtake the front of your home, and pull up the weeds in your flower beds. If you still have some leftover leaves or brush, rake them up. Make your front yard a clean slate for potential buyers.
• Eliminate bad odors.
If you have any “fur babies,” you know that even though we love our pets, they can be messy and smelly. You can rent a wet vac at your local home-improvement store and shampoo those carpets that have been holding in odor for quite some time. Also, take into account what you will be cooking in the house before you have a showing. You want to be sure your home is free of any lingering odors.
• Let there be light.
Brighten up your home, and bring in natural light by opening up your windows and turning on table lamps. A room will appear much bigger and inviting with a little added light.
• Keep your decor simple.
When buyers come to view your home, they want to be able to envision themselves in your space. If you own a bright zebra-print couch, you may want to consider covering it with a slipcover. Everyone has different tastes, and it is important to keep that in mind when selling your home.