Selling a home can be a really exciting process– but sometimes, it’s also stressful and challenging. Whether you’re a first-time seller, or an old pro, you should note that adequate preparation is the key to enjoying a successful and financially lucrative sale.
Not to worry– we’re here to walk you through the most important steps to help you prepare your house for sale.
Start with a home inspection
Before you even list your house, you should consider hiring a professional home inspector. A thorough inspection, conducted by a qualified professional, can help you identify any underlying issues or necessary repairs that might hinder or complicate the sale of your home.
Making a note of these issues, and promptly addressing them, can help prevent any potential delays in the sale process, and will instill confidence in potential buyers. A well-maintained property will also enhance trust– it’ll be apparent to buyers that you’ve taken good care of the house.
Curb appeal is key
First impressions really do matter, especially to potential home buyers! The exterior of your home is the first thing they’ll see, which means that you should devote some extra time and attention to the way it looks.
Focus on landscaping– trim the lawn, add fresh mulch to flower beds, and plant colorful flowers and green foliage to make your lawn look as inviting as possible.
Take a careful look at your home’s exterior– repair or replace any damaged siding, clean the windows, and repaint the front door. While it might sound silly, even just repainting your front door can add considerable value onto the sale price of your home.
If you’ve got some extra cash, we’d also recommend hiring a pressure washer. Pressure washing your sidewalks, decks, and the exterior surfaces of your home can make it look brand-new again!
Finally, be sure to pay attention to lighting. Outdoor lighting can make a huge difference in the way your home is perceived, especially for evening showings. Approaching a house that’s warmly lit and welcoming is a lot more appealing to a potential buyer than trying to locate a house in the dark!
(Don’t) make it yours
While we’re sure you have excellent taste, it’s best to depersonalize the house as much as possible when you’re preparing to sell it.
This is because buyers want to envision themselves within the house. Making sure that your home functions as a blank canvas for this purpose is extremely helpful in securing a buyer!
You might even consider renting a storage unit or securing another place for your belongings during the sale process. Don’t allow any statement furniture pieces or decor prevent a buyer from appreciating the space itself!
Set the stage
While your home is currently arranged just the way you like it, staging it for potential buyers can significantly impact its appeal.
Consider arranging your furniture to create a sense of flow throughout the house, and to enhance the best features of each room. Maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds, and draw attention to features like fireplaces, large windows, or original finishes.
Utilize a strategic amount of tasteful art and decor to add some personality to the space without overwhelming it– think floral arrangements, mirrors, and other subtle touches.
Let the pros step in
If you’ve got questions about any step in the sale process for your home, you’ve come to the right place. Let the experts here guide you through the sale of your home– so that you can move on to whatever’s next in your life, and your house’s happy new owners can start enjoying their home! Just give us a call today– at our convenient Jacksonville or Cabot locations– to get started.