How Do I Prepare My House to Sell at the Highest Price Possible?
From decluttering to making necessary repairs and putting on a fresh coat of paint, there are several steps you can take to prepare your home to get the highest price on the market. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know to make sure your home sells quickly and you are able to maximize the return on your investment.
The Exterior
First impressions matter. Curb appeal is essential because it's the first thing buyers will see. Having your lawn and hedges trimmed, new mulch, a fresh coat of paint on the front door, and your home number visible from the street will make an excellent first impression on potential Buyers. It will convey a sense of pride in ownership and welcome them in for a closer look.
The Interior
Once you've tackled the exterior, it's time to focus on the interior. Photos are the first thing a Buyer will see online. You'd be surprised how much return you can get from spending a few hours decluttering your home, organizing the basement and garage, and storing away unneeded furniture. A washcloth, your favorite cleaning solution, and a good sweep are also low-cost high return investments in preparing your home for sale. A clean home, one that has all spaces accessible, is a welcoming home. One last point on the interior, having a professional painter come in and evaluate your home would be well worth the investment.
Upgrades or Repairs?
Repairs breathe new life into your home and give buyers the impression that the home is well-maintained. Upgrades, on the other hand, are only sometimes necessary. Consult with your real estate agent to determine which upgrades will increase the value of your home. It's essential to focus on the features that matter most to buyers in your area. A new kitchen is a selling point, but it is not worth the investment if it's not what buyers in your area are looking for. High-cost items such as roofing shingles and heating systems will turn some potential Buyers away. Consider setting aside resources to address those concerns ahead of marketing if possible.
Make Sure Your Home Doesn't Get Market Worn
Pricing your property correctly is crucial to selling your home quickly and at the highest possible price. Your real estate agent will help you set a price that reflects your property's current market value and unique features. Avoid overpricing your home, as this can lead to it staying on the market for longer than necessary and potentially leading to a lower return in the end as the property could become "market worn”, causing Buyers and agents alike to wonder what might be wrong with your property. A true professional will collaborate with you to create a pricing strategy that’s best for you.
Allow Buyers to Envision Themselves Living There
Staging your home can make it appealing to potential buyers. This means arranging furniture, decor, and accessories to highlight your home's best features while also allowing buyers to envision themselves living there. Your real estate agent may recommend hiring a professional stager to help you achieve this.
