Many sellers don’t put enough emphasis on fixing up their homes when they put them on the market. Even sellers with recently renovated homes must do this job. There is stiff competition and every detail is important to help you sell fast and at the best price.
So if you want to sell your house, take ten minutes to read through this list. Then start packing!
1 YES order and depersonalize the space! It’s a simple tip, but this is the most difficult step for sellers. Say goodbye to the house, and then erase the memories of the space by storing personal items. The more potential buyers can visualize their own belongings in the space, the better.
2 You MUST create a welcoming entryway that feels great to walk into. Keep this space clean, well-lit, and up-to-date. First impressions are critical.
3 DO invest in equity for low cost and sweat. Repaint walls a light neutral color, update light fixtures, faucets, doorknobs, and backsplashes. If you don’t have time, hiring someone to complete these things is money well spent. If you don’t have the talent, hire an interior designer or home stager to consult for a couple of hours. Small cosmetic improvements are added.
4 DON’T do major home renovations if you don’t have the time, money or energy. Jobs like redoing the floor, kitchen, or bathrooms are big and stressful, especially if you live at home during work. Think rejuvenation, not renewal.
5 INVEST in sprucing up your outdoor patio or living room if you’re selling during the warmer months. Potential buyers love the added value of an outdoor seating or dining space. Repaint the deck and create a comfortable space with outdoor furniture. An umbrella and a barbecue will be great selling points.
6 DO NOT invest in a swimming pool, hot tub or fish pond. You will not get your money back. It may even turn off many prospects who are put off by the maintenance involved and the potential danger to young children.
7 DO resurface your kitchen or bathroom. These two rooms are the most important in any home. There is no need to change all your settings. New faucets, knobs, backsplash, trim, sink, and paint are easy and inexpensive upgrades. Remember to keep it neutral.
8 DON’T forget about landscaping and curb appeal. This is the first thing buyers will see. If they are turned off, you will have to work even more on the interior. So why not give it a little TLC? Paint your front door, put a new handle on it, fix the cracks in the hallway, paint the mailbox or get a new one. Fix or get new house numbers. Make it lovely by trimming all your trees, bushes, grass and adding flowers.
9 DO Be aware of the environment when you move. Donate well-functioning home accessories to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore and bring your debris to the eco-center. Consider resurfacing or painting kitchen and bathroom cabinets instead of replacing them. The more you can reuse and repurpose, the better. The goal here is to spend as little as possible for the biggest impact.
10 DO NOT leave animal marks in the house. Scratched doors, kitty litter box, messy eating bowls, fuzzy blankets, and chewed up toys need to go. Not everyone is an animal lover and can rule out the house altogether if they are allergic.
