Selling your home doesn′t just mean hiring us to stick a sign out in your front yard. There are a lot of preparations you should make to ensure you get the best offer possible in the shortest time.
Repair. Just because you’ve grown used to the cracks in the walls and the rattles in the radiators doesn’t mean a buyer will too. If you have hardwood floors that need refinishing, be sure to get it done—hardwood is a huge selling point. Buyers like to snoop around, so be sure to fix any sticky doors or drawers as well. Finally, don’t forget to address any issues with the exterior—fences, shingles, sidewalks, etc. After all, without curb appeal, some buyers may never get to see the inside.
Neutralize. You want buyers to see themselves in your home. If you have framed photos of everyone in the family tree, either pack them up or replace with neutral photos. If your living room has lime green shag, wood-paneled walls, and all your collectibles and personal photographs, this will be much harder for them to do. Try replacing any bold color choices in your floors and walls with something more neutral—beiges, tans, and whites. Repainting with neutral colors will make everything look fresh and new, and help prospective buyers imagine all the possibilities.
Stage. Once your house is clean and updated, it’s time to play dress up. Home stagers can add small details and décor touches that will bring out the possibilities in the various spaces in your home: lamps, mirrors, throw rugs and pillows, flowers, decorative soaps and towels, patio furniture. Home staging can be particularly useful if your home is especially old or if the exterior looks dated. Think of it as a little mascara and rouge—if it’s done right, you notice the beauty, not the makeup. Of course, home staging costs money, so figure out what your budget is to get your home ready for the market is…then make the best financial decision for you!
Landscaping. Winter months can make it tough on a seller. Make sure your walkways are clear of snow and ice…and try to create a path/access around the home so prospective buyers will have the opportunity to view the outside of the home. Snowblowing the driveway? Go extra wide on the edges if possible as it allows buyers for your home to get in and out with ease vs showing them there isn’t a lot of room. As we approach the spring, set up a clean up and freshen up before the landscapers book up their schedule!
Lighting. Make sure your lights are as bright as they can be…don’t put 100w bulbs in the 60w sockets but make sure your home shows nice and bright during those dark afternoons!
