Deciding to sell your home is a big move. Not only do you need to find a real estate agent to work with, bring in potential buyers, and also find a new home for yourself, but you also need to do quite a bit of prep before you list your home.
Many real estate agents suggest staging and prepping your home in order to impress buyers and make the home-selling process easier for everyone involved.
Preparing your house for sale can make a big difference in your home’s curb appeal and can help attract prospective buyers to your home.
10 Steps To Prep Your House For Sale and Attract Buyers
If you’re hoping to ensure that your house sells quickly and entice buyers, here are 10 steps to take that can get your entire house ready for potential buyers.
1. De-Clutter the Home
One of the first things you can do to prepare your house for sale is to de-clutter the entire space. Not only will getting rid of all the clutter in your home make it easier for you to move out, but it can also help prepare the space for inspections, open houses, and showings.
De-cluttering means going through your personal items in all the rooms in the home and throwing out junk, things you don’t need, and, perhaps, boxing some things up before moving out. Not only will clearing out your home get rid of some junk that is taking up space, but it can lead to a deep clean that can further prepare your house for sale.
2. Organize Bedroom Closets and Storage Cabinets
After you have thrown out the clutter, you can begin organizing what you have left over. While you won’t want to remove everything from your home when it is up for sale, you want things to be organized – from the master bedroom to the small rooms and storage spaces.
This step should also include a deep cleaning of your home. Whether you do it yourself or you hire professional cleaners, you will want to ensure everything is properly cleaned during the staging process. A cluttered and messy home may distract potential buyers and turn people away from putting in an offer.
3. Depersonalize Your Home
Another main step in this process is to depersonalize your home by removing all the family photos, drawings, schedules, and other items from the home.
While this may seem a bit over the top, things like family photos can also distract a potential buyer. Instead, use generic decor that can help people feel like they’re in their future home without intruding on yours. Additionally, you will be having complete strangers enter your home, so removing these personal items can help with safety and privacy as a home seller.
4. Check for Minor Repairs or Replacements Needed
One way to prepare your home for sale and potentially increase the selling price is to check for and complete any repairs or replacements that may be needed. Many sellers choose to update some items in their homes before listing them in order to get the most value out of the home.
Fixing any necessary repairs may also attract more buyers who have a keen eye for detail. Additionally, these repairs can help during home inspections or a pre-listing inspection. Whether it’s a new paint job, filling any holes, unclogging sinks, or buffing out scratches, these small repairs can make a huge difference in the home staging process.
If you decide to paint your walls while you’re cleaning, real estate agents suggest using neutral colors instead of bright ones, whether it’s your dining room or the master bathroom. This can make the rooms feel more tidy and cohesive.
5. Consider Renting a Storage Unit
If you have quite a lot of stuff that you want to get out of your home before you list it, you may consider renting out a storage space to house these items. This can also mean that items are easily accessible while your home is up for sale. While this step isn’t necessary for preparing your home, it can be an aid when de-cluttering and depersonalizing your house when it’s ready for sale.
6. Take Care of The Exterior
As they say, a first impression goes a long way. Caring for your home’s exterior walls, front porch, and front door can help make a good impression and improver your home value.
Use a pressure washer on the exterior to get rid of grime and dirt. As well, make sure your front yard is freshly cut in the spring and summer. You may even consider placing some fresh flower pots on your front porch to create a strong impression.
You’d be amazed by what a fresh coat of paint can do for the exterior of your home. All of these little adjustments can influence the asking price and final sales price of your home.
7. Spruce Up The Front Entryway
Another tip that a professional stager and a top real estate agent will suggest to home sellers is to ensure that your front entryway is tidy and decorated well. As mentioned above, a good first impression can be huge when you’re trying to sell your house.
The front entryway is one of the first things that most buyers see when they check out the house. One way to make a great impression is by decorating your entryway. You can do this with fresh flowers or fresh fruit, throw pillows, pieces of art, or small light fixtures. Whatever you decide, be sure that the space doesn’t feel too cluttered.
8. Change Light Bulbs
The last thing you want when showing your house is to flip on your light switches and your lights are out. Before showing your home to potential buyers, you should change any light bulbs to ensure that they are all working.
One expert tip to consider is the type of light bulb you use. A light that is warm is more inviting than harsh fluorescent light. Consider using warm lighting options when showing your house to attract as many buyers as possible.
9. Hire a Professional Photographer
You’d use a professional realtor to sell your house, so why not use a professional photographer when uploading photos to a listing site? Using a professional can not only save you time, but can set you apart from competition. While a professional might cost more money, professional photos can make a huge difference on a buyer’s impression of your home.
10. Get The House Professionally Staged
The final step in preparing your home for sale is to hire a professional stager who can help you set up your home ahead of showings and open houses. A stager is someone who is hired to prepare and set up your home for sale by arranging furniture, adding decorations, and using other aesthetic strategies to attract buyers.
For example, stagers might use decorative elements on your dining room table that create an inviting atmosphere. Many expert realtors recommend staging the home so it can sell fasterWhile it may seem like a small step, a little can go a long way.
In Summary
Are you getting ready to sell your house? Ensure that you are set up for success with these 10 expert tips that can help you prepare your home for sale.At Voortman Realty, we are here throughout the entire home selling process and can help you prepare your home for sale. Contact us today to see how we can help you with your home-buying or selling journey!