Top Things to Know Before Selling Your Home

Sellers often ask how they can make their properties stand out among the competition. Below are eight ways to ensure that your home is appealing to buyers.

1. Price your home to sell – this is the key element to moving your property in a buyer’s market. Price is one of the top factors buyers are looking for in a home. A real estate agent can show you what comparable properties have sold for and can give you a good idea of the price range that your property falls into. When a property is priced well, it can elicit a flurry of buyer activity right off the bat and this can often result in an offer at or above asking price.
2. Get a home inspection – most people think they only need a home inspection when they are buying a home. Spending a few hundred dollars and having a professional walk you through some of the problems in your home will save time and money in the long run. The inspector can identify broken or damaged windows, weather beaten sills, loose weather stripping, ceiling stains and other problem areas you may have overlooked that a buyer won’t.
3. Set your home apart – when potential buyers visit your home, you want to leave a lasting impression. Fresh flowers and open windows to let the air and sun filter through the house can create a light, airy and comfortable first impression. Outdoor planters and manicured lawns also make a positive impression.
4. Make your home ageless – if you have a 25-year-old kitchen and the appliances to match, it may be worth investing in a makeover. The expense of new appliances and countertops may add more value to your home than their cost.
5. De-clutter – Take a look at your kitchen and bathroom counters and remove any and all clutter — this includes photographs, knick knacks, magazines and other clutter. Don’t forget about closets and garages, which will most certainly be inspected by serious buyers.
6. Walls and Carpets – if you have children, you may have a few walls that have handprints or other smudges. Invest in a fresh coat of neutral paint to fix the problem and brighten up your surroundings. Dirty or worn carpets also impact a buyer’s impression so invest in a good cleaning or if the carpet is too worn, consider replacing it. The money you spend today will come back to you when the home sells.
7. Avoid using air fresheners or other sprays – people want a clean-smelling home, not one that has a spray masking hidden odors. After a good cleaning, open the windows and work to eliminate pet, cigarette or other problem odors.
8. Internal Repairs – get out your screwdriver, a hammer and some nails and replace loose cabinet hinges, knobs, broken switches and other minor flaws that can make a negative impression.

Above all, remember that first impressions are lasting. You want your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible and the key is presenting a fresh, neutral space that buyers can visualize themselves in and want to call home.