Spring is the unofficial start of the home buying season. Families are interested in making a move during the summer to relocate before school starts and are anxious to find that perfect home. With this strong demand and limited inventory you will want to make sure your home shines above the others.
If you’re kicking around the idea of selling you might think there is too much to do to get your home on the market. But a few simple, relatively inexpensive things can make all the difference.
If you have the ability to use a professional stager that can make the home look like a model home by all mean do so but if you would like to save a few dollars here are some ideas that will create more interest in your home and increase the value.
1. Disassociate Yourself From the Home - Say to yourself, this is not my home, this is a house that I want to sell and remove your emotion as much as possible. Be ready to remove some of those things that make it your home and be ready for the offers to start coming in.
2. Depersonalize (but no need to go crazy) - When your house is for sale you want prospective buyers to look past your family heirlooms, vacation photos and collectibles. You want buyers to look at your home and imagine their family living there making their own memories. I believe a few well placed photos are fine, it can make the house look like a home but be careful not to overdue it.
3. De-clutter - I can’t emphasize enough the importance of decluttering. Go through every room and pack or donate things that you no longer use and won’t need before the sale. Remember the saying Less is More, removing things from your home will make it look larger. You are going to need to pack them anyway, why not do it when you’re preparing to sell and show your home looking its best.
~ Clean closets and storage spaces, straighten shoes, neatly stack sheets and towels
~ Remove books from a crowded book shelves leaving a few for decoration
~ Pack up Knickknacks, family heirlooms, trophies and collectibles.
~ Clear off countertops in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry roomsPut essential items you use daily in a small box or container to use in the mornings and put it away when done.
4. Make Necessary Repairs - As homeowners we tend to no longer see that spot on the wall, stains on the carpet and loose door knobs. With a critical eye walk through your home and make note of everything that could use a little attention. Have your carpet professionally cleaned, replace old outdated fixtures, replace burned out light bulbs, fix doors or cabinets that don’t close properly and make sure all appliances are in working condition.
5. Make Cosmetic Changes - A little paint goes a long way, paint any rooms that have bold colors. You don’t want buyers referring to your home as the one with the bright purple kitchen. A popular shade used by many interior designers is “greige” (grey-beige) because you can add warm or cool colors for an accent. Replace worn or faded rugs, pillows, towels and old bedding.
6. This is The Time to Sparkle - Clean the home from top to bottom, with a strong hose spray exterior walls, remove cobwebs inside and out, wash mirrors and windows, quickly vacuum all carpets daily, put coats, homework and pet toys away when the family leaves the home in the morning.
7. Think About Curb Appeal - Take a look at your home from the street. This is the first thing buyers will do when they come to your house. Paint the front door if needed. Trim shrubs, mow the grass and add a couple flowering pots at the front door.
Preparing your home for sale doesn’t have to be overwhelming and you don’t have to do everything suggested in this column. The first step is to contact your realtor so she can take an objective look at your home and give you some suggestions.
Once done, sit back, relax and wait for the offers.