If you're thinking of selling your house this spring, now is the perfect time to start getting it ready. With the market gearing up for its busiest time of year, it'll be important to make sure your house shines bright among the competition. Here are some valuable tips you can use to get your house market-ready.
Declutter and Organize
First impressions matter, and if your house is a mess, that can easily turn off potential buyers. Before listing, take the time to declutter and organize each room. Decluttering is about more than just tidying up – it's about creating a sense of space and openness that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home. Decluttering helps potential buyers see themselves living in your home. It also helps the house to appear larger. No matter how big your home's actual square footage is, excessive furniture, decor, and clutter can make your place feel cramped and untidy. All of these elements can make a home unattractive to potential buyers.
If your house already feels smaller than it really is, it’s time to get serious about purging and organizing. Keep only the necessary furniture and decor that will define your space and highlight your home’s best features without being distracting. If you have too much furniture, you can put it in storage for the time being. Think of the phrase “less is more,” it makes a difference in your buyers’ perception of how big your house feels.
Likewise, it is easier to clean a decluttered home. Air circulation is also improved, so it smells cleaner. And because the smell is one of the first things potential buyers will notice when entering your home, it’s a huge deal breaker.
It may be tempting to store everything away in your closets and cupboards but resist doing this. Too much stuff in your cabinets makes it seem as though your house doesn't have enough storage space, and storage is a top concern for serious buyers. They will want to open up closets, cabinets, and drawers to see how much storage the home has. You might have hidden your items from plain sight, but when buyers see cabinets full of stuff like miscellaneous food containers, it will give them the impression that there’s not a lot of storage in your home.
Deep Clean Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Both kitchen and bathrooms are focal points for many buyers, and often influence their overall opinion of the house. Ensure these spaces dazzle by giving them a thorough deep cleaning. Pay attention to details like scrubbing grout lines, polishing fixtures, and removing items from the countertops. A sparkling kitchen and bathroom can leave a lasting positive impression on potential buyers. Here are some things you need to do:
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Wash the windows inside and out.
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Polish the counters, faucets, mirrors, and other surfaces.
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Clean and scrub the bathroom, mop the floors, and clean the rugs or carpets.
Also, make sure to tackle all nooks and crannies, even the hard-to-reach surfaces behind closets and cupboards. Ensuring that your home is as clean as possible might not be fun, but it will make things a lot easier for you when showings start.
Maintain Your Yard
Your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see, so it’s important to make a good impression from the moment they arrive. A well-maintained yard not only enhances curb appeal, but also shows buyers the home has been well taken care of. Take the time to spruce up your yard by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and clearing away any debris or dead plants. It is also a great time to declutter any extras that may be taking up space outside. A freshly landscaped front yard will help homes sell faster and for more money. First impressions are important.
Likewise, you’ll want potential buyers to picture themselves enjoying their time and making memories in the property. Entice them by bringing the outside in! Add or highlight the outdoor living area where people can see themselves having a sip of their chosen beverage while the kids are playing in the pool and they’re entertaining guests with barbeque parties. If you have the time and the budget, re-assess the space where you can add some profit potential into your property, such as adding a fire pit or revamping your deck.
Find a Skilled Listing Agent
An experienced listing agent is your partner in minimizing stress when selling your home. Lean on your agent for advice on decluttering, staging, and enhancing your home's appeal to potential buyers. The insights into market trends and recommendations for reliable contractors and stagers are invaluable.
Bottom Line
By decluttering, deep cleaning, and tidying up your house, you can create a welcoming environment that resonates with buyers and increases your chances of a successful sale. Let’s connect on what you need to do to get your house ready to sell this spring.
