Home-Selling Checklist:
10 Things To Do Before Selling Your House
So before you put your house on the market, peruse this checklist for selling a house of what to do.
Some of these tips are surprisingly easy, while others might require more elbow grease.
Find a great real estate agent.
Do you think you can sell your home and pocket the cash you would otherwise pay a real estate agent?
It can be tempting, especially in a hot market, but resist the urge.
Do some research to find a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about your specific market, and then interview him/her to make sure he/she's a good fit.
Consider your curb appeal.
Yes, for better or worse, buyers do tend to judge a book by its cover.
You want to make sure potential buyers' first impression of your home is a good one and inspire them to stop by the open house or schedule a tour—so they can see more.
Declutter living areas
Less is more when it comes to getting your house ready to show.
Do a clean sweep of counters, windowsills, tables, and all other visible areas, and then tackle behind closed doors: closets, drawers, and cupboards since virtually nothing is off-limits for curious buyers.
Depersonalize your space
The next step on your checklist for selling a house? Sellers should remove any distractions so the buyers can visualize themselves and their families living on the property.
Repaint walls to neutral tones.
You might love that orange accent wall, but if it's your potential buyer's least favorite color, that could be a turnoff. It's the seller's job to help buyers picture themselves in the house.
If they don't feel at home, they'll probably look at other real estate options.
Touch up any scuff marks.
Even if you're not doing a full-on repainting project, pay special attention to scrubbing and then touching up baseboards, walls, and doors to make the house sparkle and look for.
Selling almost any home can be tricky, but selling a home with lots of little problems and small repair needs can be downright difficult. When buyers walk into an open house or go on a home tour, they want to fall in love with the house, not add a bunch of small repairs to their to-do list.
Add some plants
When staging your house, remember that green is good: Plants create a bright and more welcoming environment. You might also want to consider a bouquet or a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter or dining table.
Conduct a smell test.
Foul odors, even slight ones, can be a deal breaker, and the problem is that you might not even notice them.
If the smells are pervasive, prepare to do some deep cleaning as many buyers are on to the sel r's "masking techniques" such as candles or plug-in room deodorizer.
Clean, clean, clean
Once you're done cleaning your house, clean some more. Even if you're not worried about what buyers will think of your home's scent, you want your property to look spotless.
Think of it this way: You'll probably have professional photos taken of your house when it looks its best.
Naturally, you'll want your house to always look like it does in those pictures.
Consider staging
Does your house scream 1985?
Nothing invigorates a house like some new furnishings or a perfectly chosen mirror. The key is getting your home staged by a professional.
Additional Resources & References:
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional tax or legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, readers are encouraged to do their own research and consult with a qualified professional to address their specific needs and circumstances.