Preparing to Sell

How do I prepare my home to sell it?

Preparing your home for sale is an essential step to attract potential buyers and maximize its market value. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Clean and Declutter

Clean your home thoroughly, including floors, windows, and surfaces. Let’s face some facts. No one is going to pay top dollar for a dirty home. This is something that you can control.
Declutter by getting rid of excess items. Consider renting a storage unit for large furniture or items you don’t need daily.
If you don’t have another option, consider sacrificing the garage or one room to move items into. Most people understand that you are in the middle of a move, and can see beyond one room being cluttered (instead of a whole house).

Depersonalize

Remove personal items like family photos and personalized decor. This helps potential buyers envision the space as their own.
I’ve never really been a fan of stripping all the photos off the walls. In today’s world it is easy enough to blur the photos of people. However, I would recommend limiting pictures of children. Particularly, if they live in the house.

Repairs and Maintenance

Fix any noticeable issues like leaky faucets, peeling paint, or broken tiles.
Consider hiring professionals for a pre-listing home inspection to identify and address potential problems. Being pro-active can save you some future headaches.

Neutralize Colors

Repaint walls in neutral colors to appeal to a broader range of buyers. Neutral tones create a blank canvas for buyers to imagine their own style. Paint is cheap and can make a world of difference.

Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. Enhance the exterior by mowing the lawn, planting flowers, and making sure the entrance is inviting.
Consider painting the front door and updating hardware.

Staging

Consider professional staging to showcase your home’s potential. If professional staging is not an option, arrange furniture to create an open and welcoming atmosphere. Virtual staging is also and option. Some buyers have a hard time envisioning how their furniture can be arranged in a vacant home.

Lighting

Ensure good lighting throughout your home. Replace old or dim light bulbs, and consider adding extra lighting in darker areas.

Make Necessary Upgrades

Assess if there are any cost-effective upgrades that could increase the value of your home, such as updating kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, or landscaping.

Address Odors

Eliminate any unpleasant smells. Clean carpets, upholstery, and curtains. Consider using air fresheners or baking soda to neutralize odors.
Remember that pet odors can be hard to detect when you live there too.

Organize Closets and Storage Spaces

Buyers are often interested in storage space. Keep closets and storage areas neat and organized to showcase their full potential.

Highlight Key Features

Draw attention to the best features of your home. If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s clean and in working order. If you have a great view, keep curtains open to showcase it.

Photography

Invest in professional photography for your listing. High-quality photos can significantly impact a potential buyer’s perception of your home. Certainly not an area to cut corners. Nowadays its almost a given to have professional photography, virtual tours, and drone shots.

Set the Right Price

Research the market and set a competitive and realistic price for your home. An overpriced home can deter potential buyers. In the old days (10+ years ago), people would make you a “low” offer if they felt your property was overpriced. Today people tend to stalk the property on the internet, sitting on the sidelines waiting for a price reduction before they engage.

Marketing

Work with a real estate agent to create a comprehensive marketing plan. This should include marketing online , open houses, and traditional advertising. Marketing has changed significantly in the past few years. Make sure that you agent has a solid understanding of todays marketing. There is so much more to it than just entering the listing into the mls, and letting it syndicate to Zillow, Realtor.com, etc… Modern marketing using AI, behavioral & target marketing, as well as, reverse prospecting. All real estate agents are not the same so do your homework.

Disclose Information

Be transparent about the condition of your home. Disclose any known issues to build trust with potential buyers.

Remember, the goal is to create a clean, neutral, and welcoming environment that allows potential buyers to see themselves living in your home. Consider seeking advice from a real estate professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Marty Remo, RE/MAX Prime Properties , 30+ Yrs Experience. 845-656-2527