Things to Do Before Selling a Home

Minimize, minimize, minimize

The reason professional staging works is not just because of the stylish furniture but because the furniture fits the space sparsely, making the rooms appear bigger than they are. It’s a bit of spatial psychology that is very effective. Get a jump start on your move by reducing the clutter now. You’ll thank yourself later when you have fewer things to haul around.

The kitchen is king

It’s true that kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, so you want to make yours appear as updated as possible. If you can’t afford a full remodel, try changing up the hardware on the cupboards, freshening up the paint job or polishing the chrome. Remove fridge magnets and keep the countertops clear of appliances.

Fix the easy stuff

That broken porch light and peeling caulk in the bathroom that you’ve been meaning to take care of? It’s time to take care of it and all of the other easy repairs that will make your home as move-in ready as possible, which is what buyers prefer. Leaving minor items unfixed also gives the impression that the home has not been well maintained.

Focus on the landscaping

Curb appeal is no myth. First impressions are lasting ones and some buyers will not even get out of the car to see the inside of a house if the outside doesn’t appeal to them. Sprucing up the landscaping with a colorful flower bed is one easy and inexpensive way to create visual interest that will make every buyer get out of the car.

Depersonalize

Sure, you’ve created many memories in your home that you will cherish forever but a buyer wants a blank canvas where they can imagine creating their own memories. A wall full of family photos, trophies on the mantel and your porcelain doll collection are best left in boxes for your next home. Keep the space neutral.

Be realistic

Many factors affect the ultimate sales price of a home, including the desirability of the neighborhood, strength of local schools, proximity to freeways and, most importantly, recent sales in the area. It’s hard to be objective when it’s a home you’ve lived in and loved for years but buyers may have a different outlook. Keeping an open mind is key.

Call Us

There are many more things to consider before selling your home and real estate transactions can become complicated fast. They can also become stressful, which is why you need a dedicated Realtor® on your side to manage the stress, make the calls, walk your dogs and play with your kids (we love both). We will also negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get the most money possible for your home.