8 Ways to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

You may be thinking about putting your home up for sale soon but the task of getting it ready is so daunting, it may be too hard to even begin. There’s so much to do! With the home inventory continuing to be low for buyers, having your home in its best shape will increase its sellability. We’ve put together a list of our top 8 ways you can get your home looking its best to attract the quickest offer. Let’s jump in:

 

1. DECLUTTER
   Buyers want to see that there is plenty of room for their things when touring your home so if closets and other storage spaces are full, it won’t speak “spacious”. Decluttering is a great time to go through your things and separate out what things you no longer use and donate those to a local non-profit. And if that doesn’t do the trick, consider storing some of your things in a friend’s basement or renting a small storage unit. Your home will look open, airy, and inviting.
    
2. HIDE THE FUR BABIES
   Buyers will sometimes draw the wrong conclusion if they see a homeowner has pets. They can assume there may be odors, carpet stains, or wear and tear on walls and cabinets. If that’s truly the case, of course, you’ll want to repair those issues. But even if that’s not the case, hiding evidence of a pet will eliminate any doubt as to the condition of your home. Put pet food bowls away, hide pet carriers in your car, and put any litter boxes in your trunk while you're gone. And take your pets with you while your home is being shown. This will also keep little Sparky from barking while guests are there.
    
3. LIGHTEN UP
   During wintertime, because sunny days are less common and nighttime comes so early, there is less light coming into your home while showing it to a potential buyer. Don’t let curtains and/or blinds minimize any sunlight that may be available. Open them up—even if you don’t normally—and show off your space. Brighter light bulbs can also add extra light, even if you swap them out just for your home’s showing. And don’t forget about the exterior of your home. Trim back any bushes or tree branches that keep light out. Natural light will literally show off your home in its best light.
    
4. DE-PERSONALIZE
   So potential buyers can imagine themselves living in your home, you’ll want to remove any personal items such as photographs, mementos, and keepsakes and store them offsite, either in a friend’s basement or by renting a small storage unit. And if you feel you need help, consider hiring a home stager to maximize the floorplan and available space. Sometimes, staging it yourself can be difficult especially if you’ve lived in a home for a long period of time and have grown accustomed to seeing it a certain way.
    
5. KITCHENS & BATHS SELL HOUSES
   As buyers search for a home, they’re looking for one where they need to do as little work to it as possible. And since kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most expensive rooms to update, having them in pristine condition will make your home easier to sell. It’s said that a kitchen or bath renovation offers the highest return on investment when selling your home. That said, the adage “It takes money to make money” certainly comes into play here. Updating things such as cabinetry, countertops, and flooring are solid expenditures given the increased home value following these updates. Your agent may be able to guide you on which areas would see the biggest bang for the buck.
    
6. BE READY
   Buyers and agents often want to see your house as soon as possible so make sure you keep up with basic chores such as making the bed, doing the dishes, putting away laundry, and picking up any personal items laying around. The homebuying market continues to be fast and furious, and the sooner you are ready to let someone see your home, the better.
    
7. FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
   It is said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Buyers decide within the first several seconds of seeing a home’s exterior if they want to go inside. That said, spend some time and money on increasing your home’s curb appeal with brightly colored flowers, freshly trimmed bushes, and neat and tidy flowerbeds. Don’t leave your garbage can outside by the curb or your kid’s toys in the driveway. Buyers want to see that a home is well cared for.
    
8. CHOOSE THE RIGHT AGENT
   Finding the right agent—especially if you don’t know one—can be overwhelming. Ask your family and friends for a referral for an agent they’ve personally worked with. Then, set up a meeting with the agent to learn how they can help you get the best price for your home. The right agent will know your area well, have a stellar reputation, and be willing to work with you at every stage of the process.

 

BOTTOM LINE

If you’re considering selling your home soon, check us out online. Read our reviews on Facebook, Google, and our website. Then give us a call. We’re happy to show you how we know the mountains!