Selling your home is a lengthy process that almost always takes longer than anyone expects. If you are a first-time seller, you are likely in for a lot more than you expect. Home sales aren’t only about getting your house on the market, but about doing everything you can to make it the best house on the market. No matter when you are selling, there is going to be competition, and you should assume that the potential buyer is going to be very thorough in their research.
Whether you’ve sold dozens of homes in your life or if this is your first, there are several imperative steps to take to ensure that you get the best value.
Clean it Thoroughly
The first impression of your home is always going to be the most important one. People won’t even bother to do inspections or talk about price if they were turned off by the home with their initial viewing. A house might be a beautiful work of art, but the viewers will never know it if it isn’t presented as so. That’s why you must clean your home thoroughly before putting it on the market.
This means getting rid of any clutter whatsoever and performing a thorough cleaning, even if you need to hire professionals. Nothing should be out of place, not even a book lying on the couch. You want your home to look as pristine and put together as possible, as though nobody’s been living there. If you have too much stuff, consider renting a storage space for the time that you will be trying to sell your home. Clutter kills when it comes to first impressions.
Depersonalize the Space
It might elicit some strong emotions, but now is the time to get rid of anything that has made your home “yours.” Personal items such as family photos and heirlooms should be removed. While these items might have made your house feel warmer and more personal for your family and friends, they won’t do the same for the potential buyers viewing the house. Seeing another family all over the home will make it difficult for them to picture their own family living there. If your home looks more like a blank slate, they will be able to envision their own future there instead. This can also benefit you, as living in the home without your personal connections will help you to detach by the time you have to leave.
Back to that First Impression…
We already mentioned that the first impression is the most important, and guess where that happens? It isn’t inside the home. Viewers will start to formulate opinions the moment they lay eyes on the house from down the block, so it’s essential that the exterior of the home and landscape surrounding it is picture-perfect.
If you are an expert landscaper or gardener, feel free to do some of the work yourself. However, a professional service may be better suited, even if they are expensive. It will likely be worth the extra money in the long run, as your home may be valued higher thanks to their expertise.
If any part of the home looks shabby or dull, it should be replaced or repainted. This is true whether it’s a major component or a small part by the door. Everything should be updated and look as though it was just built. Experienced home buyers will know to check all of these things, and you’ll lose money on anything that isn’t in perfect shape.
Sell with your Nose
One thing that can severely negatively impact a home sale is a foul or unpleasant odor. It’s very possible that you’ve been walking into a home with a distinct aroma for years, but you’ve never noticed it. This is especially true if you have any pets. No matter how diligent you are about cleaning, pets can leave a long-standing smell throughout a house. It may not even be specifically unpleasant, but it is still existent. New buyers will notice this the second they walk in.
Make sure to perform a deep cleaning on any carpets or upholstery in the home to get rid of these odors. Again, this may be a situation where it will be worth it to hire professionals. Once clean, you can further improve the smell of your home by using candles every night and baking desserts with delectable smells.
Light it Up
Many people neglect to light their home correctly, and it shows. You should illuminate the most impressive parts of your house and keep any negative aspects in the shadows. Overall, however, the entire home should be easily viewable, and you should create an image of a bright, airy space.
Highlight the Good, Spruce up the Bad
Much like with the lighting, you should try to draw the most attention to your favorite rooms in the house. If there are rooms that you feel are inadequate, do your best to dress them up to make them look better. If even your worst room has a nice feel to it, you’ll be doing a lot to improve the value of your home.
