Summary
If you're planning to sell your house, there are several things you can do to make it attractive to potential buyers and get the best possible price for it. One essential step is choosing an ideal listing date, based on your location and season. You should also find a great real estate agent with experience in your market. Additionally, improve your curb appeal with simple actions such as planting flowers, trimming bushes and trees, and painting the front door. Finally, declutter and depersonalize your living areas, clean and stage your home, and take professional photos to showcase your property's best qualities. With these steps, you can increase your chances of selling your house faster and for more money.
Essential Steps to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Sale
If you’re thinking of selling your house in the near future, you might be wondering what you need to do to get it ready for the market. After all, you want to make a good impression on potential buyers and get the best possible price for your property.
Pick an Ideal Listing Date
Depending on your location and the season, some times of the year are better than others for selling a house. Generally, mid-late spring is the best time of year to sell a home to both minimize time on market and maximize proceeds. However, you should also consider your personal circumstances and goals when choosing a listing date.
Find a Great Real Estate Agent
A professional real estate agent can help you with every aspect of selling your house, from pricing and marketing to negotiating and closing. Look for an agent who has experience and knowledge in your local market, and who can provide you with references and testimonials from past clients.
Consider Your Curb Appeal
The first thing buyers will see when they drive by or visit your house is the exterior, so you want to make sure it looks inviting and well-maintained. Some simple ways to boost your curb appeal include: cleaning and painting your front door and shutters, replacing old house numbers and lighting fixtures, trimming bushes and trees, mowing the lawn, planting flowers, and adding a welcome mat.
Declutter and depersonalize your living areas. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your house, not see your personal belongings and clutter. Before showing your house, you should remove any excess furniture, knickknacks, photos, books, toys, and other items that make your space look crowded or messy. You should also pack away any valuables or sentimental items that you don’t want buyers to see or touch.
Clean and Stage Your House
A clean and well-staged house can make a huge difference in how buyers perceive your property and how much they are willing to pay for it. You should hire a professional cleaner or do a thorough cleaning yourself, paying attention to every detail, such as dusting, vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, polishing fixtures, washing windows, and removing any stains or odors.
You should also hire a professional stager or follow some staging tips yourself, such as: arranging furniture to create a good flow and highlight focal points, adding some neutral but cozy accessories like pillows and throws, using natural light and lamps to brighten up rooms, and adding some fresh flowers or plants.
Take Professional Photos
Once your house is clean and staged, you should hire a professional photographer or use a high-quality camera to take photos of your house. Photos are one of the most important marketing tools for selling your house online, so you want to make sure they showcase your property in the best possible way.
You should take multiple shots of the exterior and interior of your house, including the main rooms and features, such as the primary bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathrooms, backyard, etc. You should also edit the photos to enhance their quality and appeal.
Conclusion
These are some of the main steps you need to take to get your house ready to sell. Of course, there may be other things you need to do depending on the condition of your house and the feedback from your agent or buyers. But by following these tips, you can increase your chances of selling your house faster and for more money.