Selling your home can be one of life’s most stressful things you can do.
It is understandable. It is your largest investment and you want to get the most money you can. It doesn’t matter whether your downsizing, upsizing or leaving the area to a new market. You want to ensure you don’t leave any money on the table.
Your listing strategy is something you can discuss with your realtor. What the market is doing at the time will dictate how you should price your home.
This article is gong to discuss things you should do to prepare your home for sale prior to it hitting the market.
1. Declutter
Most people know that this is a must but often this step is underestimated in terms of how long it takes. It is amazing how much we accumulate in our lives and once you start the decluttering process it’s amazing how long of a process it is, once you have these items packed away find somewhere to put them that is out of the way and does not obstruct purchasers from viewing your home.
2. Make those minor repairs
Fix minor drywall imperfections and paint them with your left-over paint that you likely have.
3. Depersonalize your paint colour choices
Look at your paint choices on the walls with a critical eye. Most people are not attracted to bright lime greens, oranges or red walls. You will likely want to paint them to a more neutral colour.
4. Hire a great agent
Ensure the agent you hire offers some type of staging consultation. It has been shown time and again that owners who take the time to stage their homes sell their homes quicker and for more money.
5. Depersonalize your home
The stager will tell you this as well but remove any pictures of your family etc. from the home. Buyers want to envision themselves in your house, not the current inhabitants.
6. Spruce up the exterior
If it is spring/ summer ensure the grass is cut and gardens look great. Any yard tools, bicycles or other items should be stored away or removed from the property. If it is winter ensure the driveway sidewalk leading to the door and deck or patio are all shovelled. Curb appeal is important.
7. Fix minor issues you have been procrastinating from doing
If you have any loose steps, handrails etc. try and have them fixed. You want your home to appear well maintained.
8. Fresh flowers
Fresh flowers during showings while your home is listed is recommended. they add a homey warmth to the interior space.
9. Document Preparation
Give a copy of your survey, utility bills etc. to your agent. Purchasers often want to know that information. It is best to have it readily available rather than trying to locate them after someone has asked for the information.
These are just a few points to assist you in preparing your home for a quick sale for the most amount of money. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of things you may do to your home but rather a quick list of items that you can do before a stager comes into your home. The staging of a home is another topic.