Things to Consider Before Putting Your Home on the Market
Before you put your home on the market, there are a number of things to do to get it “show ready” for buyers. You will need to be ready when buyers visit your home, so make sure everything is spotless and tidy. Make sure there are no dirty dishes or dust bunnies in the corners, and make sure the house smells fresh. A good impression will go a long way when it comes to attracting buyers.
Decluttering
While decluttering before putting your home on the sale market is always a good idea, it can be especially beneficial when preparing to sell. Potential buyers want to see everything in your home, and decluttering before putting your home on the market can help them visualize themselves living there. In addition to making your home look cleaner and more spacious, decluttering will make your home more comfortable for them, which will increase the chances of a quick sale.
While decluttering is not always fun, it is necessary if you’re selling your house. If your home is over-stuffed with stuff, potential buyers won’t be able to see past the clutter. Besides making it easier for you to pack your belongings, decluttering will also help you move out of the house more easily. When decluttering your home, work on one room at a time, removing unnecessary items and donating them to charity.
Deep Cleaning
When you are preparing to put your home on the market, you should thoroughly clean it. You should also replace any worn out carpets and steam clean the carpeting. Important documents should be stored in a secure location. You should also make an inventory of all the contents of your home. If possible, you should have professional cleaning services clean your home before you put it on the market. It is essential to make your home look attractive to potential buyers.
Fresh flowers and potpourri will make your home smell good, but it will only mask the underlying unpleasantness. If you have a persistent smell, a deep cleaning is your best option. If the smell is mild, it might not turn off potential buyers. However, if it is strong, it may put them off. To counteract this problem, use scented cleaners. You can also use citrus peels to deodorize disposals.
Making Repairs
Homeowners who plan to list their homes at the beginning of summer have about 30 to 45 days to make any repairs necessary. Considering whether or not you want to make repairs is important, as not doing so can result in price reductions, buyer credits or concessions. Before putting your home on MLS listing services, make a list of all repairs and prioritize them by importance. While some repairs may not have a direct effect on the sale of your home, others can seriously hamper the sale.
In the same way that you would repair any other asset, repairing your home before listing it can be a good investment. Buyers will often overlook small repairs and upgrades. Small fixes are easily done, and can make a big difference when your house is up for sale. While some repairs are necessary, they aren’t essential to a successful sale. Make sure to consider whether you’ll be selling your home soon or later, and how you plan to spend your money.
Making A Good Impression on Buyers
When it comes to making a good first impression on buyers when selling your home, you don’t have much time. A prospective buyer has less than eight seconds to decide if your property is worth their time. So it is essential to make your home as welcoming and inviting as possible. They are also very important when you are showing your home off in person.
Make sure that your house is clean and free of clutter. Potential buyers will focus on the backyard instead of the interiors. Make sure that you remove the clutter from your home and that the room smells neutral. You can also hire a cleaning service to clean your home on a regular basis, reducing the stress associated with showings. Cleaning your home regularly will ensure that your property puts its best face forward.
Allowing Two Weekends for Showings
The first weekend after putting your home on the market can be your best time to get potential buyers to see it. Generally, homes that sell in the first weekend are well-staged, located near the metro, and have a low price tag. In addition, allowing two weekends for showings gives potential buyers ample time to consider your home before committing to buying it. This will also ensure that you have plenty of time to answer questions and make necessary repairs.
Although it might seem excessive, allowing two weekends for showings will make the process less stressful. If you are selling your home during a hot real estate market, the contracts that come with them will be shorter. As such, getting an inspection and preparing disclosure documents ahead of time will ensure that you are prepared and able to close the sale. By making yourself available to answer any questions potential buyers have, it will be easier to receive an offer quickly.
Hiring A Realtor
Hiring a Flat Fee Realtor before putting your house on the market is a wise decision. You can avoid making mistakes by hiring a professional who specializes in home selling. But not all realtors are the same, so it’s important to pick one who shares your interests. UpNest, a real estate matchmaking website, uses a proprietary algorithm to find the best agents based on their background, closed listings, location, and other criteria.
A real estate agent will have a wealth of knowledge about how to market a home, from the proper pricing to marketing strategies. A good real estate agent will always be working towards the best possible price for their clients and not just their own pocket. The best agents also have a keen eye for detail and care about their clients’ needs. Avoid agents who are rushed to make a sale and don’t think about their next client’s needs.
