If you’ve made the decision to sell your house it’s time to put some work into the process so you get the most out of it. There’s a lot to do before listing your home, and it goes well beyond putting a “For Sale” sign on the lawn. Here’s a checklist to follow.
Choose a Reputable Real Estate Agent
It may be tempting to try to sell your home yourself and keep the cash you would have paid an agent, but you will likely end up sacrificing both money and time. You need an experienced real estate agent to help you navigate such a hot and complex market so you get the most bang for your buck.
But you have to be smart about it. Don’t just pick one at random. Do your homework, find out who is knowledgeable about your neighborhood and market, and then interview them to ensure a good fit. You should feel comfortable working with them, as you will likely be spending a lot of time together.
Consider Curb Appeal
Your next step is to ensure the first impression potential buyers get of your property is a positive one. If they don’t like what they see when they pull up, they may just keep driving. You want to inspire them to come inside and see what else you have to offer.
It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to spruce up your curb appeal. Simply planting some colorful flowers, trimming the lawn and bushes, and decorating the front entry can prompt buyers to become intrigued.
Declutter the Home
When it comes time to sell your home, less is more. You’ll need to go through your whole house room by room and de-clutter. Get rid of items you no longer need (you don’t want to have to pay to move them later anyway). Donate, sell or trash anything that no longer serves you.
Now that the clutter is gone, clean all the countertops, windowsills, tables, and any other visible areas. Next, go through your closets, drawers, and cabinets, as you can bet some nosy buyers will open them at the open house.
If you still have a lot of stuff you don’t know what to do with, store it off-site for now.
Depersonalize the House
It’s important to remove any distractions that may sideline buyers. This includes all personal touches, such as family photographs, mementoes, and bold artwork that could detract from the showability of your house.
Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the house, and that’s tough to do when it’s full of your personal stuff.
Repaint in Neutral Tones
While you may love your purple bathroom or that bright yellow accent wall in the dining room, chances are most buyers will not. Repaint those areas with neutral colors. Lighter colors will help buyers picture what their walls will look like in their desired colors.
Touch Up Scuff Marks
You don’t have to perform a full repainting project. Sometimes you just have to pay close attention to the details. Touching up scuff marks on walls, baseboards, and doors can make all the difference.
Address the Small Things
Go around your house and tighten up any loose handles and replace missing lightbulbs. Add some plants in the home to brighten up the space and place a bowl of brightly colored fruit or a bouquet of flowers on the table. These little touches will show the buyer you care.
Contact Berkshire Hathaway Premier Properties
If you need the help of a qualified sellers’ agent to help you through this list and more, we welcome you to contact Berkshire Hathaway Premier Properties today at 713-862-0000.