6 Steps for Getting Your Listing Ready
Preparing your home for the market can seem like an overwhelming task for any seller. Fortunately, these tips on how to get started will put your property in a better position to be noticed and hopefully sell more quickly!
Step 1: Deep Clean
The best place to start is with a deep clean of your house. Any off-putting smells when a potential buyer walks into the home can give a bad first impression. Be sure to dust all surfaces and ceiling fans. Clean the appliances in your kitchen. Give your bathrooms a good scrub. Clean your floors; don’t be afraid to rent a carpet cleaner! Move all the furniture in your home and clean underneath. Lastly, be sure to wipe down all surfaces.
Step 2: Declutter + Keep it Simple
When it comes to preparing your house for the market, less is more! Minimal decor and clutter will give a great first impression to your buyers. Small steps like putting personal items in drawers, putting all of your toiletries away in your bathroom, or taking all the magnets off of your fridge can really make a big difference when showing your home. Consider renting a storage unit for any extra things that may make your home feel cluttered.
Photo By: Francesca Tosolini
Step 3: Depersonalize
If a home still has some personal touches in the space from the previous owner, sometimes it makes it difficult for potential buyers to imagine themselves in the space. Be sure to put away anything that features your name or initials, and take down family photos.
Photo By: Francesca Tosolini
Step 4: Remember the Small Details
Now is the time to make those small repairs you’ve been putting off, such as fixing that leaky faucet or replacing a door knob. Be sure not to overlook any lightbulbs in your house that have burned out.
Step 5: Don’t Forget about Curb Appeal
The outside of your home is going to be the very first impression to a potential buyer! Having a freshly cut lawn and shrubs makes a big difference when viewing a home for the first time.
Step 6: Have Professional Photos Taken
Having professional photos taken of your home will help it stand out among the other homes for sale on the MLS or Zillow. Photos that convey good lighting and composition are almost always going to catch a potential buyer’s eye over a home that’s been photographed with a cell phone. Your George Realtors agents will arrange this for you once you’ve signed your listing paperwork.
BONUS TIPS: Above + Beyond
If you are really serious about selling your home, here are 6 bonus tips to really make your listing sparkle!
Photo By: Sidekix Media
Bonus Tip 1: Paint Your Walls
Especially if your home features some brightly colored walls, try opting for more neutral colors when preparing it for the market.
Bonus Tip 2: Paint the Exterior
If the exterior of your home might be overdue for a coat of paint, this would be a good time to give the outside of the home a fresh look!
Bonus Tip 3: Landscaping
If lawn care isn’t exactly your forte, don’t discount contacting a landscaping company! They can really make your lawn and home exterior look put together and well cared for.
Bonus Tip 4: Stage Your Home
Once all the clutter and personalized items are out of the home, ask your agent about how to best stage the space. Chances are your agent might have some additional staging suggestions for you or they can connect you with a professional staging service.
Bonus Tip 5: Organize Your Closets
Whether you have large closets you’re wanting to feature or small closets you would rather not draw attention to, it is so important to organize before showings. If a buyer sees you overflowing out of your closet, they are going to assume they will as well.
Bonus Tip 6: Clean + Repaint the Trim/Baseboards
As painstaking of a task this can be, this can really make a difference in the overall feel of a room! Dirty/scuffed baseboards are always noticeable right away, but clean trim really ties together a space.
If this list still feels a bit overwhelming, don’t panic! Just reach out to your Realtor at George Realtors. We will meet you at your home and make recommendations in person. Our professionals are here to help guide you through the entire selling process.
