There’s nothing worse than going through showing after showing for months without buyers. Not to mention, the longer a house is on the market, the harder it is to sell. Knowing how to prepare for a sale before listing it can make all the difference when it comes to attracting buyers.
If you’re considering selling your home, we’ve put together these seven tips to help you get your house in peak condition, and get those keys in the hands of a buyer.
1. Choose the Price Right
The first attraction for a homebuyer is the price of a property. With the right price tag, you can attract a lot more buyers even in a competitive market. Make sure to keep track of local market rates and competitor prices, as well as other factors like house condition, design, infrastructure, and convenience.
2. Clean and Declutter
Whether you sell, donate, or discard, you need to make sure your home is as clean and open as possible. Buyers want to picture themselves living in the home, not focusing on your clutter.
3. Use Neutral Colors
Bright colors and patterns showcase personality, but when you’re putting a house on the market, it’s important to keep the colors neutral. Similar to the previous point, having extremely noticeable colors or patterns can be off-putting to buyers who are trying to envision themselves beginning a new chapter in the house.
4. Conduct All Repairs
Wear and tear in a home is normal, but can present as lower value to potential buyers. Note down the most important repairs in every room, from walls to appliances to HVAC systems. A pre-sale inspection can help you identify unseen repairs as well.
5. Stage Every Room
Showing buyers how to make the most of each room can make your house shine. Even without professional staging, you can move your furniture around or buy inexpensive decorative items to show the potential all of your rooms have to offer.
6. Increase Curb Appeal
First impressions can make or break your showing. Even if you can’t reface your home, small upgrades like a fresh coat of paint and a new welcome mat can give your entryway a more welcoming look. The better your curb appeal, the higher the value of your house.
7. Don’t Forget Landscaping
When you’re working on your curb appeal, don’t forget about the outdoors! Clean up your landscape so it looks appealing to buyers. Replacing any worn-down parts and pressure-washing, or cleaning your patio and outdoors shows buyers how they can use the space for entertaining. Selling a home is all about putting yourself in the perspective of the buyer.
Understanding exactly how to prepare a house for sale can help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar, but it can take quite a bit of work. If you need help selling your home, contact The North Star Team of Keller Williams Legacy—your top Baltimore realtors for all your real estate needs. Call us at (443) 834-4499 or contact us online today.
