8 Things you Need to do Before Listing your Home
If you’re thinking about putting your house on the market, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and prepare! Selling a home requires a whole lot more than sticking a sale sign in the lawn or uploading photos to a sale site.
Here are the eight essential things you should do before putting your house on the market.
Do your research.
Do your homework and find out the value of your home by researching the local market. Look at the comparable sales in your neighborhood to figure out a substantial listing price for your home. Pay close attention to homes like yours, with similar square footage and features.
[Hire a real estate agent who cares about your investment]
Remember, your home is a major investment asset, and you should get as much as possible from its value. Don’t rely on realtors alone for information. Knowing a little about your home’s worth before speaking with an agent can help you pinpoint the right agent for your needs.
Perform a deep clean.
Don’t let odors, dirty floors, or dusty surfaces make a terrible impression on a potential buyer. Before listing your home, give it a deep clean. Touch everything from baseboards to ceiling fans. Consider calling in some professionals to ensure that your place is in pristine condition and ready to shine during showings.
Declutter and generalize décor.
Organizing and decluttering your space will go a long way in appealing to potential buyers. When a home is clutter-free, buyers can focus on the great features of the home. Not only will decluttering make your home feel fresher, but it will also make it appear bigger. Consider removing décor that’s too personalized or narrow in appeal. Generalized décor will help your guests imagine themselves living in your home.
Make those pesky repairs.
Hire a professional to help you make necessary repairs. Buyers don’t want to see things like missing hardware, leaky faucets, broken appliances, peeling caulk, popped nails, and cracks in the walls. When they see these types of damages, it makes them think your home hasn’t been cared for, and they wonder what other damages lurk underneath the surface.
Splurge on lighting.
Splurge on a few extra lamps and make sure all lights are on during showings. Use the highest possible wattage for each light fixture and consider getting white lighting as this creates an appearance of cleanliness. Avoid yellow lighting in most rooms because this makes most homes appear dingy and smaller.
Time for a fresh coat.
Consider repainting certain rooms of the house, especially if they’re excessively bold or have damage. Stick with neutral colors that appeal to a wider audience. Using lighter colors help give the appearance of space and can make your home feel larger. We also recommend adding a mirror or two to the common areas to increase the feeling of space. These simple changes can create the appearance of an airier, fresher home without much effort.
Don’t ignore staging.
Research shows that home staging can help your home sell quicker and for more money. Fortunately, staging your home is easy and affordable, because if often only requires rearranging furniture and adding simple décor.
Outdoor staging is also simple, and you can effectively accomplish this by cutting your grass, pulling weeds, removing trash, storing toys, and sprucing up potted plants.
Find a reputable agent.
Finally, avoid selling your home on your own. It’s tempting to try and cut costs by handling your home sale yourself but doing so could result in a huge loss of equity. Remember, your home is one of your greatest assets and investments. You deserve to get the most out of your home’s value, and this is done only through a professional.
Conduct research on your home, its location, and its potential value before seeking out an agent. Know ahead of time what you’re looking to get out of your house. Next, find an agent who cares about the return you receive from your investment. Make sure the agent you hire has a long track record of success.
If you are looking for a reputable agent, be sure to call the Michelle Clark team! Honesty and integrity are essential values for our agents; it is evident in our work ethic as well as the service provided for the community.
Need more advice on buying or selling here in Southeastern North Carolina? Keep your eye on our blog or follow us on Facebook!