Preparing a home for the market can be an overwhelming task. Homeowners often feel that major upgrades or repairs must be made to get the best price, but this is not always the case. A few simple home-prep tips are all it takes to make a home stand out to potential buyers without breaking the bank.
Deep Clean
The first thing any seller must do before listing a home is give it a thorough, deep cleaning. While the principal areas—living room, kitchen, primary suite—should be spotless, every room should receive attention. In fact, deep cleaning is so crucial that hiring a professional may be a wise investment.
Surfaces should be clear of any personal effects!
Declutter
Decluttering the home is another key step. Lots of knickknacks and souvenirs can distract potential buyers, perhaps even preventing them from imagining the place as their own. Items like these can make the place look cramped or uncomfortable. Surfaces should be cleared with only minimal decoration in sight, and extra furniture should be moved out or stored.
Personal items, like family photos or collections, can make it difficult for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the home. Looking too “lived-in” can make buyers uncomfortable as they tour the rooms. Clutter-free spaces feel more spacious and cleaner, allowing buyers to focus on architectural features and the layout of the house. It has been proven that a tidy and well-organized home gives buyers the impression that it is not only well-maintained but also worth more.
Staging a home will also help enhance those crucial first impressions. Well-thought-out and strategic staging can highlight a house’s best features. Done correctly, staging can be a powerful tool for making rooms look larger and more functional. It showcases each room’s potential, instead of leaving buyers to wonder what adjustments they would need to make it work for them.
It’s a fact that staged homes stand out from non-staged homes competing for buyers. It provides a competitive edge that helps homes sell faster and for more money. An aesthetically pleasing home that looks move-in ready will be perceived as more valuable by buyers. Creating an inviting and appealing environment in the home hits the emotional notes buyers are looking for and makes it hard for them to forget the pleasing spaces they have just seen and enjoyed.
Watch the video below to see the power of staging!
Tidy landscaping is key to making a good first impression!
Landscaping
Curb appeal plays a major role as it is the first impression buyers have of the home. So, it’s very important to touch up landscaping; simply cleaning up the yard will often do the trick. Remove weeds, mow the grass, trim trees and shrubs, and add fresh mulch to landscaping beds. These small touches can make a big impact on the home’s appearance and appeal.
Consider staging a patio or deck with clean, matching outdoor furniture that enables buyers to see the full potential of those desirable exterior spaces. When possible, fix problem areas in the landscaping. Make sure driveways, terraces, and walkways are in good repair—especially those leading to the front door. This makes the home more inviting and welcoming. Fences should be clean, and gates should be fully functional and accessible.
Upgrades and Repairs
Small repairs and updates are an easy way to boost the home’s appearance. Simply replacing hardware on cabinets or installing new fixtures, like shower heads and towel racks, go a long way in sprucing up appearances and boosting the impression buyers have of the home. Many homeowners feel the need to repaint the entire house before listing, but this is not always required. Sometimes just touching up scratches and scuff marks is all that is needed, especially if the home has been painted within the last few years.
When it comes to major renovations or changes, it’s best to speak with an experienced realtor beforehand. Their expertise and up-to-date knowledge of the market will be useful in determining which projects should be tackled, which can be skipped, and how to get the most bang out of the buyer’s buck.
Call Ellen First!
When it comes to preparing a home for the real estate market, Ellen has the know-how and connections to get the job done right. Her experience and knowledge will be a valuable resource and help you feel prepared and confident in your home-selling journey. If you are considering selling your home in the near future, call Ellen first or click here to send her a message online!
