Tips for Preparing Your Home to Sell
As homeowners begin to prepare their home to sell, there are many factors to consider. Even in a seller’s market, best representing your home to potential buyers will increase the likelihood of receiving competitive offers in a short period of time. When working with my clients, I consider every aspect of selling a home. From industry-leading marketing to professional photography and staging, I provide my clients with unparalleled service. I would also like to share important things to consider for those who are starting to prepare their home for sale. Here are several time-tested tips:
Be Welcoming
Even before home buyers walk through the front door, they are judging your home. Make them feel warm and welcome with some inexpensive upgrades such as adding additional lighting, landscaping with colorful flowers and shrubs, and replacing hardware. A new coat of paint can add life to the exterior of your home (don’t forget the front door!). Make sure that the exterior is in good repair by fixing broken shutters, replacing or professionally cleaning windows, and sealing walkways and driveways.
Outdoor Living
As discussed in a prior article, a home’s outdoor space has become an extension of indoor living, and many buyers are looking for this additional space to socialize and dine with family and friends. Focus on improving existing outdoor living spaces, such as front porches and back decks, by adding additional seating and outdoor heaters.
Clean & Declutter
You only get one chance to make a first impression, which is why it is very important that your home is clean and decluttered. The more personal your space, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Remove and store family photos, collections, travel items, and keepsakes as well as anything of substantial value. And remember—everyone is looking for extra storage space. Store half of what you have in closets and neatly organize the rest to highlight your home’s closet space.
Lighten Up
A simple can of paint can refresh and update your home. Neutral tones like beige, grey, and off-white have the most universal appeal. If you want to add a pop of color, do so with accessories such as pillows, blankets, and artwork. In addition to painting, maximize the natural light in your home. Remove drapes, clean windows, and up the wattage in your lightbulbs.
Finally, please know that you are not alone in your home selling journey. TTR Sotheby’s International Realty provides professional services through our exclusive White Glove Service, a suite of real estate services designed to enhance the experience of home buying and selling. I am happy to extend these exclusive opportunities to buyers and sellers of all price points across a spectrum of real estate services, including professional staging and design, high-impact upgrades, landscaping, packing and moving, and temporary housing, plus strategic home renovations, valuation services, and furniture consignment. Please contact me today to learn more.