Selling your home may seem like an overwhelming process, but it doesn't have to be. With this checklist of how to get your house ready to sell, you'll feel more prepared for the sale and confident that the property is in good shape. From decluttering closets and maximizing curb appeal, to making sure there are no surprises about how much your home is worth, these tips will ensure a speedy transaction with minimal stress!
Research the local housing market to understand your home's value
You can use sites like Zillow and Redfin to research how much homes similar to yours have sold for recently. This will help you make sure that the price you ask is competitive, but also realistic (you don't want to overprice and scare buyers away). It's a good idea to have a real estate agent who is familiar with your area help you out with this part of the process.
Consider finding and working with a real estate agent
A real estate agent is an expert on how to get your house ready to sell. They know how the local market works, how much homes are selling for and can help you price it correctly (and save time). Plus they're familiar with the process of buying or selling a home in general - things like what paperwork you need and how long each step will take. If you're thinking of selling your home in the near future, it's a good idea to start looking for a real estate agent now. If you're looking for a trusted Realtor in Eastern Tennessee, my specialized knowledge and expert services will make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Once you've found an agent, sign a listing agreement which will give them the exclusive right to sell your home for a specific period of time.
Get a home inspection before putting your house on the market
No one wants to buy a house that has major problems, so it's important to get a home inspection before you list your property. This will give you a chance to fix any issues that may be found (and show buyers that you're being proactive). It's also a good idea to have an HVAC inspection done before putting your house on the market. You can also get an estimate for how much it will cost to make any necessary repairs, which you'll need when negotiating a purchase offer from buyers. You should leave room in your budget for these types of costs, as they're common and unavoidable during the sale process (and usually more expensive than you might expect).
Call a handyman after deciding which repairs and updates to make
I recommend calling a handyman after you've made the decision to sell your home and how much money you'll need for necessary repairs and updates. This way, they can give you an estimate of how long it will take them to complete everything (which is important information when setting up showings with potential buyers). For example, if there's a broken window that needs to be replaced, how long will it take for them to get the necessary materials and do the work? Similarly, if you're thinking of repainting every room in your house how much time would they need after everything is prepped before they can begin painting? By working closely with a local handyman when getting your house ready to sell, you can ensure that all repairs and updates are completed in a timely manner.
Give your house a deep clean
Buyers will be looking at every nook and cranny of your house, so it's important to give it a deep clean before listing. This includes decluttering (more on that later), scrubbing down all surfaces and shampooing carpets. You may also want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service to do a more thorough job.
Declutter the home
Remember how I said buyers will be looking at every nook and cranny of your house? It's important to consider how you can make it feel bigger, so decluttering is crucial. This means removing personal items like family photos, movies or books - even if they're out of sight (in a closet or drawer). You also want to remove furniture that might be cluttering the space and detracting from how big it feels. The idea here is to open up your home so buyers can imagine themselves living there, not feel claustrophobic by how much stuff you have or how cluttered a room may appear.
Depersonalize your home by renting a storage unit
Depersonalizing your home is not only about decluttering, but also removing personal items from the space. Renting a storage unit will allow you to remove personal items that are currently visible in your home. This way buyers won't know how much stuff you have or how many children live there when viewing the property for sale. While it might be difficult to part with personal items like family photos and furniture, remember how they're making your home feel smaller and more cluttered. By renting a storage unit, you can declutter your house while still keeping your personal items safe and sound.
Maximize the light in your home by making everything brighter
One of the quickest and easiest ways to make your home feel bigger is by maximizing the light. This means making everything brighter, from painting walls a lighter color to adding more lamps or removing heavy curtains. If your house feels dark and dreary, buyers will be less likely to want to buy it - even if it's in a fantastic location and has a great layout. Light is how we see things, so maximizing the light in your home will make it feel warmer, cozier and open up those dark corners that might be making rooms seem smaller than they actually are. This could also help to sell your house faster as buyers know how quickly homes with lots of natural light can sell.
Get rid of odors
No one wants to buy a house that smells like pets or cigarettes (even if you think they're out of the picture). You don't want buyers feeling nauseated when looking at your property, so getting rid of any odors is important. This can be done by opening windows and curtains every day for an hour or two, baking cookies or spraying a neutralizing odor spray throughout the house. If all else fails, you might want to consider hiring a professional home stager who can help get rid of any unwanted smells in your home.
Make sure your pets disappear
Selling a house with pets can be difficult, especially if they're not well-trained. You don't want your dog barking every time someone comes to the door or pouncing on buyers while they look around during their walk-throughs. This might make them uncomfortable and put off by how much work it will take to get rid of all that pet hair. To solve this dilemma, consider boarding them while you have showings or hiring a home stager who knows how best to showcase homes with pets.
Maximize curb appeal to reel in buyers
When selling a house, it's important to make a good first impression - and the best way to do that is by having great curb appeal. This includes ensuring the yard is mowed and trimmed, that bushes are neatly shaped and that there aren't any broken items on the porch or driveway (like a missing doormat). You may also want to consider putting out potted flowers if they're in season - just make sure they're maintained and don't look weathered. If you have the time, consider painting your front door a fun color or adding a new roof shingle to give your home a fresh look. First impressions matter, especially when selling a house! That's why it's important to ensure your home has curb appeal.
Make any necessary repairs to the exterior.
This includes painting, minor roof or gutter leaks, cracked windows or screens, loose railings on porches/decks etc. By making these repairs, you're showing buyers that your home is well-maintained and worth their investment. Plus, it'll be one less thing they have to worry about once they've moved in.
Fix anything that is not up to code
If there are any repairs that need to be made to get your house up to code, now is the time to do them. This could include anything from fixing a broken window lock to adding more insulation in the attic. Working smoke detectors are a must as well as carbon monoxide detectors in homes with gas appliances.
Staging your home for sale
Remember how I mentioned that first impressions matter? Well, how your house looks on the inside is just as important. You want buyers to walk in and feel immediately struck by how beautiful it is - but not so overwhelmed they can't picture themselves living there. This is where home staging comes in. Professional stagers know how to rearrange furniture, accessorize with plants and art, and use lighting to make your home look its best. They can also help get rid of any smells or pet hair that might be putting buyers off. But you don't need to hire a professional stager. Here are some tips and tricks you can do yourself to make your home look its best:
Remove all clutter.
Clean the entire home top to bottom, paying special attention to how you're cleaning each room (i.e., kitchen appliances vs. baseboards).
Don't use any scented candles or air fresheners as this can make your house smell like a hotel and be off-putting for buyers.
Use fresh linens on beds and make sure all of the furniture is clean (including underneath).
Make small upgrades like replacing old light fixtures, adding new cabinet or flooring knobs/pulls to give rooms a more polished look. This will show how much you care about your home by keeping it well maintained throughout the years.
Let go of the sentimentality
It's hard to let go of a home we've spent years in, but remember that you're selling the house, not the memories. When it comes time for showings, declutter as much as possible and remove any personal items like family photos or mementos. You want buyers to be able to imagine themselves living there, not you.
On your way to a successful sale
Selling a house can be a stressful process, but by following this checklist, you'll be well on your way to a successful sale. With this how-to guide of how to get your house ready to sell, I hope that I've taken some of the stress out of the process so you feel more confident about getting started. Just remember to remain patient and organized throughout the process. It will all be worth it in the end.
Contact Sheila Ulku of Greater Impact Realty, Lakeway, today
Contact me to see how you can get started on your next property journey. As a certified real estate agent working out of Morristown, TN, I'll be with you every step of the way. My phone number is 701-412-4777.