August 25, 2023 | Home Selling
Are you looking to sell your house quickly and efficiently? Preparing your home properly is key to attracting potential buyers and closing the deal as fast as possible. Here are seven essential tips to help you get your house ready for a quick sale:
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
Before listing your property, declutter each room by removing personal items, excess furniture, and any unnecessary clutter. A clean, clutter-free space helps potential buyers envision themselves living there.
2. Make Necessary Repairs
Walk through your home and address any maintenance issues, such as leaky faucets, chipped paint, or broken fixtures. A well-maintained home signals to buyers that you’ve taken care of the property.
Also, any repairs that come up due to buyer demands while the property is under contract will be required to be repaired by a licensed contractor, which will end up costing you more money.
3. Enhance Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. Boost your home’s curb appeal by tidying up the front yard, trimming bushes, planting flowers, and giving your front door a fresh coat of paint. A welcoming exterior sets a positive tone for the rest of the viewing. You don’t get a second chance at making a first impression!
4. Stage Your Home
Consider professional staging or simply rearrange your furniture to showcase each room’s potential. Neutral colors and minimal decor can make your home feel more appealing to a broader range of buyers and in our market a non-neutral paint color can cost a seller thousands of dollars on a sale price or cause the home to languish and not sell.
Outdated furniture can also have a negative effect on the appeal of the home. Especially at the high end of the market, buyers opinions of what they are getting is severely diminished if you have furniture that is no longer in style. If it can be repurposed or tastefully covered (i.e. bedding over an out of style bed frame) do that. Otherwise, it may be best to remove the furniture and stage the property.
Vignette staging can be a low-cost option to add positive feelings to prospective buyers such as a few wine glasses, and a bottle of wine at a cafe table or hot tub. The idea is to stage a scene that buyers can imagine themselves in to get them to fall in love with the home.
5. Clean Thoroughly
A spotless home is a must. Clean every surface, from floors to ceilings, including windows, carpets, and appliances. Don’t forget about often overlooked areas like baseboards and light fixtures.
6. Set the Right Price
Work with your realtor to set a competitive and realistic price for your property. Pricing it too high can deter potential buyers, while a well-priced home can generate more interest and lead to a quicker sale.
You can either sell the property now at the market price or overprice it and let it sit for six months, only to sell it at the same price it would have sold anyway. It may even sell for less than it would have due to the idea that buyers will think something is wrong with the property because it has been on the market too long.
7. Maximize Natural Light
Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Well-lit spaces feel more inviting and spacious. Replace any burnt-out light bulbs and consider using soft, warm lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. If your realtor isn’t present at your property for showings to ensure the house presents this way, they are doing you a disservice because the buyer’s agent will just open the door and let the buyers into a dark house.
**Bonus Tip: Create an Inviting Scent:**
A pleasant smell can leave a lasting impression. Consider using subtle scents like fresh flowers, baked goods, or citrus before showings. Avoid strong or artificial scents that may be off-putting. There is such that as over doing it also. If you have scented plug-ins in every outlet, buyers and their agents will be suspicious of what smell you are trying to cover up.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and at a favorable price. Remember, the goal is to make your house appeal to a broad range of potential buyers and help them envision it as their future home. A well-prepared and well-presented property can make all the difference in achieving a swift and successful sale.
Call me today for a free consultation, property valuation and property preparation tips to get your home sold quickly at 719-204-1429 or you can email me at austin.collinsrealtor@gmail.com
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