Preparing your home for sale is a crucial part of the real estate process. It can significantly influence how quickly your home sells and at what price. You have one chance to make a first appearance so it’s best to do it right! Here are 10 steps you can take to ensure you have a successful listing.
Step 1: Complete Necessary Financing Repairs
Start by addressing any repairs that are crucial for financing. Some common issues that can cause a problem with financing are peeling paint, moss on the roof, blown widow seals and seismic straps on the water heater. Other maintenance issues like gutter downspouts not properly directed away from the home or shrubs touching the siding can also cause issues with financing.
Step 2: Minor Repairs and Touch-Ups
Taking care of minor repairs that can be easily corrected is also worth your time. This might include touch-up painting, securing loose toilets, or repairing damaged doors, trim or fixtures. Consider repainting bold accent walls to more neutral colors to appeal to a wider range of buyers.
Step 3: Optimize Lighting for Photos
Good lighting can transform your home photography, making spaces appear larger and more welcoming. Replace any burnt-out bulbs, ensure the bulbs are the same color and consider adding additional lighting sources in darker rooms or areas to brighten them up. A photographer can only work with the light they are given and its worth getting right!
Step 4: Depersonalize Your Home
Remove personal items such as family photos and items of high value. This helps potential buyers envision themselves in the space and reduces the risk of theft during showings. It can also be a safety issue. No one needs to know what your children look like or what their names are.
Step 5: Septic System Inspection
If your home has a septic system, have it pumped and inspected. This assures potential buyers that the system is in good condition and won’t require immediate attention. It is a requirement that these reports are recorded at the health department during the sale so its best to get it out of the way before listing.
Step 6: Gather Important Documents
Collect all necessary documents including Homeowners Association (HOA) covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CCRs), warranty information, and maintenance records. Having these documents organized and available is reassuring to buyers.
Step 7: Improve Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. Mow the lawn, prune bushes, refresh mulch, clean up after your dogs and consider adding seasonal flowers. Ensuring your home’s exterior looks inviting can significantly impact a buyer’s first impression.
Step 8: Ensure Easy Access
Make sure the front door and any other entryways are easily accessible. Many homeowners enter their home through their garage and can often forget how stubborn their front door deadbolt can be. When a buyer only has a 30-minute showing, we don’t want them spending 10 minutes trying to open the front door. I have been there myself. If the doorknob or deadbolt is stiff, replace it.
Step 9: Inspect the Crawlspace
You’re homes crawlspace is often out of sight and out of mind. Check your home’s crawlspace for any signs of rodents, leaks, or other surprises. Addressing these issues beforehand can prevent negative discoveries during the buyer’s inspection that could potentially derail the transaction.
Step 10: Deep Clean Your Home
Finally, have your home professionally deep cleaned. This should include carpets, windows, and hard-to-reach areas. A clean home is more attractive and suggests well-maintained interiors.
By following these steps, you can enhance the appeal of your home, minimize potential issues during the sale process, and help achieve a quicker and more profitable sale. Once your home is it top shape and ready to list there is one last thing you must do to ensure a successful sale of your home.
Finally, you MUST price your home appropriately. All the preparation will be for not if your home is not correctly priced. The market is fast moving, and home values can change due to any number of criteria. Automated evaluations can be wildly off. It is important that you talk to a qualified real estate broker familiar with homes in your area to ensure your home is listed at the correct price.
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