So you had your free consultation with a realtor, and are now ready to list. Here are some easy tips to get your house list ready so that the house will require minimum prep time before showings and look great to potential buyers.
Make a good first impression
"Buyers decide in the first 8 seconds of seeing a home if they are interested in buying it. Get out of your car, walk in their shoes and see what they see within the first 8 seconds" - Barbara Corcoran
It is absolutely essential that a buyer makes a good first impression of your house as most buyers make up their minds quickly. Focus on improving your curb appeal in simple ways such as pressure washing your deck and adding some potted plants to make the front look warm and welcoming. Having the lawns mowed, and snow clearing is another important step towards improving curb appeal and shows potential buyers that your house is well cared for.
Have everything in place for easy access
Spend some time looking at how easy it is to access your house, back yard, shed, etc. Do you have keys to all the different locks, and are there any rusty bolts that might need replacing or locks that jam? You do not want your buyer walking away wondering what is in the shed they couldn’t gain access to, or feeling like they had to spend more time trying to get into the house than they did in it, especially when it’s cold and windy outside.
Rejuvenate your entrance area
The entrance area is another great space to make a great first impression. Consider removing any out-of-season coats and boots to clear up space and make the space feel larger. My stager always suggests a half pack of what’s in the closet as you are likely packing up to move anyways. If it makes sense in the space you have, you can also add a small bench and some fresh flowers to spruce up the area.
Declutter
Remember that when your house is priced right and marketed well, you will likely have multiple showings. Decluttering is a great way of getting your house in a state that is always ready to show and makes it easier to prep your house prior to a showing. Consider removing half of the items in your house, including personal items, and placing them in storage either in your house or if possible off-site; this will make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Declutter and organize your closets to make them appear larger and pay special attention to areas that show off the amount of storage space you have in your house.
Clean
This is a great time to do a deep clean of your house. Start room-by-room and make each space as clean as you can before moving on. Time spent cleaning is probably the most valuable use of time at this stage to get your house ready, and is bound to make a good impression on potential buyers. Trust me, everyone appreciates a clean home!
Paint
Painting is a great way to freshen up your home quite inexpensively. A fresh coat of paint will bring life to your house and paint colours that are neutral are a great way of making your house appeal to a wider audience of potential buyers. It is important here to consult with your realtor before choosing your paint colours as they can advise on specific choices.
Complete those minor Repairs
You know that missing baseboard that you never got around to putting on, or that toilet seat that’s been wobbly, well now is the perfect time to go around your house and fix these little issues. Although these details may seem inconsequential, buyers are discerning and particular, and fixing these minor issues can go a long way towards impressing potential buyers.
Consider getting a pre-Inspection
This may be a great option to get ahead of the buyers. Getting your home pre-inspected allows you to look for any potential items that could cause grief once a buyer has made an offer. It gives you the opportunity to either fix the items or disclose them prior to listing so that buyers are aware that the list price is reflective of these potential issues. Be sure to talk to your realtor to see if this is a good option for you.
Focus on your kitchen and bathrooms
These two rooms are great places to give your attention to. The kitchen is the heart of the home and the room that most buyers pay special attention to. Decluttering countertops and keeping your sink and appliances clean can make the kitchen look well cared for. If you have stainless steel appliances use a stainless steel cleaner to make them look sparkly and new. If your cabinets look a bit dated, painting them could be an inexpensive way of updating them.
If you are thinking of selling, get in touch and we can set up a no-obligation meeting to discuss the best way forward. I will guide you through the details of these steps and more based on your current needs.
Kyla Miranda Realtor®
Keller Williams Platinum Realty
709-325-5152