5 Ways to get your home ready to sell
We know that selling your home can feel like a daunting task – especially if you have kids or a lot of stuff (or both). Its hard to even know where to start or what to do to help your home fly off the market. Check out the 5 tips below and let us know if you have any of your own to add to the list!
1. Declutter
The very first thing you can do to prep your home is declutter. This doesnt just mean bringing a bag of clothes to donate – decluttering to sell should include the following:
- Clear countertops
- Remove furniture that is too large for a space or excess
- Ensure closets are not stuffed to the max
- Tidy up garage/shed spaces so buyers can get an idea of the space
- Keep any open storage tidy
A good strategy is to tackle one room a day leading up to your listing date so that you dont get overwhelmed all at once.
If you’re ready to sell or you need some extra help – reach out to us here!
2. Upgrades
Some people choose to do really big renovations before selling – while the right renos can add $ to your sale price, there are tones of smaller, cheaper things that you can do to make your house stand out without breaking the bank:
- Paint – the power of paint is really unmatched – its cheap, easy for even the least handy person and can make things look fresh, clean and modern. Don’t just think walls – you can paint cabinets, sheds, doors, trim and the list goes on.
- Light fixtures – Updating some outdated lighting can also help modernize a space. Hardware stores have tones of good options that are inexpensive. For a few hundred dollars, you can update a few key fixtures that can totally change the look and feel of your space.
- Plumbing Fixtures– This makes a huge difference – especially if your metals don’t match in a space, updating so it all looks cohesive can help. It might seem daunting, but believe it or not it is fairly simple- there are tones of great youtube videos that walk you through step by step.
- Door Hardware– This is also one that a lot of people don’t think of – updating hardware on kitchen cabinets or even door knobs can make a space look totally updated for cheap (like a few dollars a piece!) We have personally used this brand from amazon and had great luck and they are really good quality.
3. Clean
We know this seems self explanatory but doing a good clean of the property doesn’t go un-noticed- I have brought clients through dated homes but they can tell it is clean and maintained and they chose to proceed with a purchase. Here are some areas that are overlooked:
- Windows & Window frames
- Baseboards/trim
- Light fixtures
- Blinds/curtains/shutters
4. First Impressions
The outside of your home can really set the tone for how a buyer sees your property. Having a strong first impression gets showings off to the right start. Here are some tips for increasing curb appeal:
- In the spring/summer keep the grass cut and trimmed
- Consider adding a wreath to the front door to make the space welcoming
- Add some flowers or planters near the entrance (in the right season)
- In the winter, keep walkways, driveways and decks cleared off and salted
5. Gather all Relevant Info
Before listing your property, your realtor will need to get some info from you – its helpful to gather it all in one folder so it’s ready to go when you want to list:
- Any upgrades done to the property – including dates and any warranty/manuals if you have them. This includes roof, windows, cosmetic upgrades, decks, furnace/AC, water tanks, wells, septic etc.
- Copy of Survey – if you have one
- Inclusions & Exclusions- make a list of anything you want excluded from the sale and things you want included in the price
- Type of services you have – ie/ well vs municipal water, septic vs sewer, gas furnace vs electric heat
We know it can feel like a lot, but we are here to help! We have even more resources, services and checklists available to our clients to help them every step of the way. If you want more info on selling your home check out our sellers page or if you want us to come evaluate your property, reach out here for a free consult!
