Tips to Change "For Sale" to "Sold"
I understand that you've made the often daunting and sometimes difficult choice to sell your home, but I'm here to help. In just a few quick steps I will show you how to prepare your house to impress buyers, quicken the selling process, and even potentially boost your home's price.
Here’s our Ultimate Sellers’ Checklist — a complete guide to get your home buyer-ready!
Clean and Declutter
Cramped rooms are a turn off. Buyers want to see space. For instance, remove desks from a living room, side tables from beside couches or any other oversized pieces of furniture. Then, remove excess clutter from the kitchen table or entry table and put away any extra knick knacks or trinkets.
Buyers want to be able to envision themselves, their furniture and their family in the space, and their looking for a canvas to fit their needs.
A majority of buyers are looking for space. Start by decluttering closet spaces or plan ahead and rent a storage unit. Then, begin to take items to the thrift store or storage unit to cut down on the quantity of items hiding your home’s beauty. This will showcase areas of your home as larger than than normal to potential buyers, and it’ll also save you time during your move.
2. Make Necessary Repairs
There are two parts to think about.
The first type of repair to consider is a cosmetic repair. These are repairs such as repainting bold interior wall colors to a softer, more neutral tone, or replacing light fixtures and kitchen hardware. This will help your home appear more updated and appealing.
After the cosmetic repairs are complete, schedule a home inspection to determine any items that may affect your home’s ability to sell, and consider the value in making those updates.
3. Get Web + Curb Appeal
Imagine you're the buyer pulling up to your home for the very first time. What do you see? Are you impressed, or does it leave something to be desired?
First impressions are everything, so make sure your lawn is freshly cut and your landscaping is well manicured. Consider freshening up your front porch with a fresh coat of paint on your door, a new welcome mat or a wreath to make a lasting impression and stand apart from your neighbors.
Web appeal is the new curb appeal! By the time a buyer makes an appointment to come tour your home, they will have already toured the entire home via online photos. This is why it is so important for your home to look it’s best when listing photos are taken. Secondly, outstanding features to the home should absolutely be posted including outdoor kitchen, family and gathering areas and other unusual and valuable amenities.
4. Hire an Agent (We’re Waiting for Your Call!)
Last year, sellers who chose to hire a real estate agent netted about $55,000 more than those who chose to sell their home themselves. Agents, and us especially, understand the marketing strategies to reach target buyers and have the connections to get your home sold fast, and for the best price.
The first two weeks are critical for sellers. If you think you will price your home high and adjust as needed, think again. Homes received four times the amount of traffic during the first two weeks after being initially listed than any other time, so make your first listing count. A property that lags on the market for too long is a red flag to buyers and will cause concern.
5. Prepare for Showings
When a buyer is coming to look at your home, it is best if you leave the property for the duration of the showing. Make sure your home is clean, smells fresh and inviting and then head out!
It's important to be ready for a showing at any time. In today’s market, buyers are eager, competitive, and ready to make decisions. They may be willing to drop everything they are doing just to your your home the moment they see it. As a result, be diligent about cleaning up after meals, and don’t leave laundry around. Each time you leave the home, have the mind set that someone could come tour while you’re gone.
