The decision to sell your home can be an incredibly emotional one. Whether you’re thrilled to move on, nervous to start packing, or devastated to leave, it’s a major transition with a lot of working parts. Preparation is crucial, and you might be surprised to find that there are several simple ways to ensure that your home is ready for showings.
The shortlist below is an easy one to check off, but imperative to complete prior to listing…and sure to elicit the best possible offer from potential buyers.
1. Reduce Clutter:
This advice is solid, whether you’re selling or not, but before listing it’s an absolute must. Make a list of all the places in your home where things tend to accumulate and go through each of them. This includes closets, bedrooms, basements, attics, the garage, or sheds. Trying to sort through items from your new location will ultimately waste time and money (especially if you’ve enlisted the help of movers). Getting rid of that which you don’t need preemptively will save you the headache and afford plenty of space in your next home. Added bonus: potential buyers will have the benefit of seeing a clutter-free home where they easily can envision their own life unfolding.
2. Tackle the “To-Dos”:
Any bulbs out in your home? Replace them. Still have that leaky faucet or showerhead? Take the time to fix it. Been wanting to swap that outlet cover to match the others? Now’s the time. They’re little things, yes…but they’re the imperfections that buyers tend to notice when they’re on the hunt for a home. Rather than risking that they fixate on the small stuff, give them every opportunity to take in the bigger picture. This includes cleaning! A little polish and sparkle go a long way for open houses and private showings.
3. Get a Pre-Inspection:
This falls in the above-and-beyond category for pre-listing “must-dos,” but it can be incredibly helpful to know what might show up on a buyer’s inspection. This will allow you (the seller) to proactively address/fix those things that need attention, but you’ll also have the added advantage of knowing in advance those issues that potential buyers may ask to have fixed as part of the contract (or request credit for). Your listing agent (us!) can help facilitate this process.
4. Neutralize smells:
This one may seem silly, but smell is an underrated sense, and it can have a huge effect on buyer opinions and decisions. Do what you can to ensure that obvious bad odors aren’t present—think mold, litter boxes, sewer/gas smells, etc.—as they can often deter buyers, (even those that like the home otherwise). Avoid cooking particularly pungent meals prior to showings…but bread and cookies can be a very effective way to convey coziness. *wink*
And what about remodeling?
This is a tough one, but a good question to ask. The truth is, deciding to remodel your home prior to selling could have a positive impact on the outcome. However, it’s important to keep in mind that materials and colors have a huge effect on the ability of others to see themselves in the space. Rather than bold personal choices that may polarize buyers, consider more neutral options that will serve as a blank palette for their own style.
We Can Get You Ready to Sell Your Home
The team at Homeworks Property Lab is experienced. We’re fastidious and fierce… experts at navigating this chaotic market on behalf of our clients. If you’re in need of some guidance or just looking for a friendly face in these shark-infested waters, give us a call. We can help.
