Picture this: “For Sale” signs line your neighborhood street, and your house is only one that says “sold”.
This dream can come true if you’re willing to take the necessary steps to sell your house. What steps? Many sellers don’t realize that selling a home is a delicate process that requires a lot of planning and preparation to present your home as a marketable product. There is more to it than putting up a “for sale” sign, especially in the current market. You have to do something to differentiate your house from the rest.
Follow these 10 steps to make your home noticeable and marketable. Some of these steps might feel uncomfortable, but realize the house isn’t your home anymore but a product to be sold. By following these 10 steps, you will have the upper hand and can expect to bring in top dollar.
Internet Marketing
The first thing you must realize is that the internet has revolutionized and transformed the home sales process. No longer is it just an option to put your house online for viewing, but a necessity. Close to all potential buyers search online. Here are some convincing facts according to Realtor.com:
- 84% of buyers search for homes on the internet
- 73% of buyers that saw a home on the internet drove by/viewed the home
- 57% of buyers that saw a home on the internet walked through a home viewed online
Make all Repairs
Are there any projects around the house you just haven’t got to? Now is the time to finish them. Buyers don’t want to see cracked or damaged walls, leaky faucets, noisy ceiling fans, cabinets that will not close, and anything else that needs repaired. Why? Because a buyer knows they will inherit the project and the work that comes along with it.
Clean-up and organize cabinets and closets
Storage space is a high priority on every buyers list. Buyers love to snoop; when they open your closets what will they see? Does it look like a bomb went off in there? Organize items to show off your storage space.
Throw away junk
This is one of the hardest things for sellers to do. Face it, everyone has junk. If you haven’t used it in a year, you don’t need it. Throw it away. You won’t even realize it’s gone.
- Old Books
- Knickknacks
- Children’s toys
- If you didn’t remember it was in there, throw it away
Also, with all the extra junk gone, packing and moving will be an easier chore.
Remove YOUR Personality
Take down the family photos and family artifacts. These things distract buyers and makes them think about your family. Buyers need to imagine their own family in the house and their family photos on the wall. Also, this may be the time to take out some paint. Walls should be neutral; take down any striking or bold decorations. Think MODEL HOME!
Rent a Storage Unit
If your home is cluttered with too much furniture, remove some. You want the buyer to think: spacious. Make sure walkways are clear. Remove the extra leaves from your table to emphasize more space. Remove small pieces of furniture like end tables and bookcases. Leave just enough furniture so buyers know the room’s purpose.
Extra Living Space
A nice backyard for relaxing and entertaining can be an extra living space, and for a buyer, create extra square feet (especially if you live in a nice climate). Invest in new patio furniture, clean or stain the deck, and bring your backyard to life with plants and flowers. Create an outdoor space a buyer will fall in love with.
Curb Appeal
First impressions matter most, especially when buying a home.
- Keep the lawn mowed & weeds pulled
- Plant colorful flowers
- Trim bushes
- Paint faded trim
- Make sure visitors can see the front door
Clean, Clean, Clean
- Clean cobwebs
- Clean dirty grout
- Wash and wax the floor
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and furniture
- Vacuum daily
- Wash off fingerprints and wall scuffs
- Buy an air freshener to cover up smells and pet odor
Think like a buyer
The bottom line here is to think like a buyer. What are things that could distract or stop you from buying a home? Pretend to take a tour of your house like the buyer will do. Ask a friend to come in and give you their HONEST opinion. Ask you realtor to give an opinion. Rearrange furniture to showcase a room feature (fireplace, size, view). Again, think MODEL HOME.
See more:
5 Things to Do in A Buyer’s Market
Real Estate Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Navigating in Today’s Real Estate Market
