Preparing your home before putting it on the market can help increase its value and speed up the sale process. However, you should refrain from going all out with renovations. For example, you want to remodel your kitchen with luxury and high-end pieces. If you do so, you will most likely not recoup your investment. Instead, focus on making minor, strategic repairs that add value to your home without breaking the bank.
Get the House Inspected
Before putting your house on the market, it’s essential to have a professional inspection done. The average inspection for a single-family home costs between $300 and $500. While this may seem like an unnecessary expense, an inspector can provide you with an objective recommendation about any repairs that might be necessary to make a sale.
In some cases, these repairs can be relatively minor and easily corrected. In other cases, they may be more significant and require more time and effort to fix. In either case, it’s essential to be aware of any potential issues before listing your home for sale. By doing so, you can ensure that you are getting the best possible price for your home.
Pack Personal Items
When you want to sell your home, one of the first things you need to do is pack up some of your belongings. If you have a lot of stuff, it might be worth considering renting a storage unit to declutter your home before putting it on the market. This is because potential buyers will want to see an open and spacious house, not one that’s cluttered with furniture and personal items.
Moreover, if your belongings are already packed, it would be easier for you when someone finally buys the house. This is because you will have less to move, and it will be quicker. However, ensure that you have labeled all of your boxes correctly so that you know where everything is when you unpack in your new home.
Make Necessary Repairs
No one wants to buy a house that needs repair because it will be a hassle. Hence, these are the common aspects of your home that should be in good condition if you want to appeal to potential buyers:
First, all your light fixtures should be in working order. See if any electrical issues need attention. Also, have a closer look if there are stains on your ceilings. You can easily paint over them yourself. Moreover, your HVAC system should also be working with newly replaced filters.
Second, check for any wall cracks. If your paint needs a touch-up, use neutral tones to make the room more spacious. You should also take down any excessive wall decoration. Additionally, if your floors have any loose boards, make sure to screw them down. If your carpets are old and worn, you might consider replacing them.
Fourth, the two rooms in your house that should look brand new and easily maintainable will be the kitchen and the bathroom. See if you need any plumbing repairs, if there are cracked tiles, and if the countertops need to be replaced.
Lastly, you might not notice any roof issues. Still, if the home inspector recommends getting your roofing fixed or replaced, it would be best to do so because the roof protects everyone from the weather. You can ask for an estimate from your roofing contractor, who will help you address all the roofing issues that could hinder you from making a sale. The same goes for your windows, gutters, and downspouts. Make sure they are all clean and in good condition because these are among the first things potential buyers will see when they come to your house.
Clean and Organize
If you want top dollar for your house, it needs to be clean from top to bottom. That means decluttering, deep cleaning, and maybe even having your yard and driveway cleaned by professionals. It’s best to have professionals handle all the deep cleaning inside and out, especially if you have pets. Regular cleaning might not take care of the smells you’ve grown accustomed to, but these smells might not be welcomed by potential buyers.
Moreover, you should also organize all the remaining furniture and items that potential buyers will see. How these items are arranged will play a significant role in how potential buyers perceive your house. It would be best to stick to a more minimalistic approach when styling your home. This is because less is more, making your home look bigger.
Selling a home can be a challenging task. It’s essential to take the necessary steps before putting your house on the market to increase your chances of a successful sale. So, do what you need to get your home ready for sale.
