Are you thinking about putting your house on the market but aren't sure where to start? As a homeowner, it's easy to overlook the little things you have gotten used to, however, some of these little things could be a major turn-off to potential buyers. Before you find the right realtor to list your home with, consider the following:
Declutter
Make your rooms look as spacious as possible by decluttering, as larger rooms with storage and space are big selling points. When going through your home, think about what you can discard, store and donate. Doing so now will also help with moving in the future. Don't simply hide your belongings by putting them away in the closet or cupboards as buyers look in these places. When deciding how much to declutter, try to eliminate at least 50% of what you have, if you can’t empty the house completely, as a buyer wants to see how much space is in your home. Consider renting a storage unit during the home-selling process so you don't have storage containers piled in the basement.
Depersonalize
Make a buyer picture themselves living in your house with their belongings by depersonalizing your home. Neutralize the space by removing family photos, souvenirs and collections, religious symbols, CDs and DVDs; this helps buyers be less distracted by your belongings and allows them to envision it as their space. The storage container mentioned above is also beneficial when depersonalizing your home as it helps get rid of personal items that you wouldn’t want to show a potential buyer.
Repairs and renovations
If you've lived in your home for a long time, you might have some repairs to make before listing your property for sale. Go room by room and make a list of what needs to be repaired. Pay attention to doors that squeak, windows that stick, toilets that run, cracks in flooring, appliances not working, faucets and lighting. Do you plan on doing any upgrades? If so, will they add value to the home? Before undertaking any renovations, determine whether or not doing so is the right move. Depending on the scope of the project, be sure to hire reputable professionals or a handyman to get the job done right. The last thing you want is to be stuck with poor workmanship and a home that doesn’t make it to the market on time.
Paint
Once the repairs and renovations are complete, consider finishing off with some fresh paint. When painting your home to sell, think of neutral colours like white and grey. A neutral shade matches almost anything and will help potential buyers be able to picture their belongings in your home. If you don't have time to paint the entire house, focus on the kitchen, bathrooms and entry. You can always touch up other areas such as marks on walls and baseboards.
Clean
Once you're done with decluttering, depersonalizing, repairs and painting, it's time to give your home a deep clean. Consider hiring a professional cleaner if you don't have the time to do it yourself. Once it's clean from top to bottom, create a maintenance schedule to ensure you keep it up throughout the process.
Staging
Once your home is clean, it's time to stage it. You want to create a great first impression by highlighting the best features of each room. You don't need to stage your entire home. Focus on the rooms that impress buyers the most such as the kitchen, living areas, master suite and bathrooms. Invest in some fresh flowers for the living room coffee table and set the dinner table with your best linens. If you're lost in the staging process, consider hiring a professional to help you make the most of it.
Curb appeal
Don't forget about the exterior of your home as it's what a buyer sees first. Keep your lawn tidy by mowing the grass, trimming bushes and freshening any mulch. Add some colour by planting some flowers in the front as well. If you're selling in the winter, ensure your driveway and walkways are cleared of any snow. Don't forget to clean your windows and touch up any chipping paint if required.
Get help with Nathan Team
At Nathan Team, we're here to help you every step of the way. We help our clients find the right trades people, storage options, free home staging*, interior and exterior design consultations and more. Contact us to discuss what we can offer you when listing your home with us.
Following the steps outlined above can help you prepare for putting your house up for sale and improve your chances of selling for maximum return. Selling your home is about looking at it from a buyer's point of view. By removing yourself (and your memories) from the home, it allows a buyer to see themselves in it, making new memories.
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