Seller Resources
There are several important steps that you can take to make your home "show-ready" to help attract more buyers and sell the property faster. First, it is important to realize that your home will soon be a product among hundreds, or maybe even thousands or properties in any given area. You must detach yourself from the idea that it is your home and try to depersonalize it, as difficult as it may be.
Try to put yourself in the buyer's shoes and look at your home as objectively as possible. It often helps to ask friends, family and most importantly, your real estate agent, for advice about preparations and getting your home ready for the sale.
Another option that a seller may consider is having a home inspection done before the sale. Even though this comes at an additional cost, it may save a lot of time and headaches in the future. With a full home inspection, you will become aware of any potential problems and have the opportunity to mitigate any issues prior to placing your property on the market. This could prevent delays during the transaction for a more efficient sale.
Before listing a property it is crucial that a home is in the best possible condition it can be, both interior and exterior. Here are a few ways
Declutter and organize
Perform a major cleaning of each room and remove all unnecessary clutter and "stuff." Don't overlook details - closets and cabinets should also be well-organized. If you can't find enough space for your things, a good option is to rent a storage space. The less stuff you have, the bigger your spaces will look.
Paint walls and clean everything
New paint is the single most effective way to makes rooms look clean and new without taking out the bank. Once rooms have been painted it is important to scrub and clean all major appliances and pay special care to the kitchen and bathrooms. It's important to have the home smelling fresh and clean as possible.
Replace old carpets
Carpets are a haven for bacteria and odors. If you have a property that has carpets, make sure to have them professionally steam cleaned or better yet, replace them with new ones.
Update as much as possible
A clean house is good, a clean house that is updated is great. If you don't have the budget for big renovation projects there are still many things you can do to help bring your home to current standards and add some value. Consider updating and replacing bathroom fixtures, any cabinet knobs and handles, light fixtures, and window treatments.
Landscape and manicure your lot
The exterior of your home is the first impression a buyer will have about the property and curb appeal is critical to make that impression a good one. Make sure the surrounding landscaping and the exterior of the home is clean and manicured. This means you should mow the lawn, redo mulch beds, plant new flowers, trim hedges, and remove any junk that may be on your property. Also, clean the exterior of your home by flushing out gutters, cleaning windows, washing the siding, and painting (if possible).