When you’re getting ready to sell your home and move into a new one, you’ll always want to receive top dollar. That’s a given. The current marketplace is competitive, so if you want to get ahead, you need to plan ahead. To get the most out of your property, you need to walk a mile in the shoes of a potential buyer. By taking a closer look at this checklist, you can avoid some of the more common rookie mistakes:
Ditch The Clutter
This is your chance to throw out all of the stuff that you don’t need anymore. No one wants to see your mess and the items that have sentimental value to you mean nothing to them. The environment needs to be welcoming. There should be a strong emphasis on functionality. Get rid of your excess furniture. Find the proper balance between homey and sterile.
Keep Things Well Lit
The lights in the home need to be flattering. Change any and all bulbs that have already burnt out. Blinds and curtains should be open, too. If the real estate agent has no light to work with, it makes you look negligent as a homeowner.
Clean, Clean, Clean
You want the house to feel brand new. First impressions are everything. Enlist the professionals when needed and save yourself the hassles. It’s going to be money very well spent.
Fix Everything That’s Broken
And by that, we mean every single thing. Buyers are not looking for some massive fixer upper. They want a house that requires minimal initial elbow grease. Sticky front door? Drafty windows? These are things you’ll want to tighten up. Paint the walls, patch up minor issues as you find them, and be proactive whenever possible.
Stage The Home
Professional staging is key. You don’t necessarily have to hire a professional, there are plenty of helpful online searches that truly help. If you’re going to do it yourself, you need to remember that the interior and exterior are both important. Maintain a comfortable and approachable feel.
Be Ready At All Times
You’ll have to stay on top of your cleaning. Make sure your surfaces are clean and that everything is picked up. It’s always showtime, so bear that in mind.
The house selling process can be stressful. By taking the time to prepare yourself, you can ease your load and reduce your anxiety.