How to Prep Your House for Sale and Attract Buyers
Are You Getting Ready to Downsize? Upsize? Transition Into Senior Living?
Moving and selling your home can add emotional stress and be difficult when making the decisions of where to begin. When it comes to preparing your home for sale, ask a realtor, a professional organizer, or home stager for help so they can share their expertise to get you the most money out of your home and guide you through this process. We’ve listed 10 top things you can take care of to make a great impression, entice buyers, and attract great offers.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR SALE:
Pressure Wash decks, patios, driveways, walkways, and exterior walls to remove any mold or stains.
Spruce Up the Front Entryway and Boost Curb Appeal. Your front entry needs to be welcoming and make the buyers eager to get inside. Paint the front door or where it is needed the most. Replace any outdated exterior lighting fixtures. Add some potted plants or a new welcome mat.
Maintain Your Yard. Fertilize, weed control, cut grass, lay fresh mulch, upgrade landscaping.
Check Walkways for Trip Hazards. A cracked or uneven driveway isn’t just an eyesore, it’s a safety hazard, and you don’t want potential buyers to trip when they’re coming to see your house.
Clear The Clutter!! Eliminate HALF of your belongings. Clutter can cost you a sale! This is a good time to purge and donate those items you no longer need, use, or love. (Yes, even those items you think you may use some day) Remove extra pieces of furniture to make it feel spacious. Ask yourself if you really need or want these items in your new home. You want potential buyers to see the beautiful features in your home and not be distracted by the crowded closets, rooms cramped with extra furniture, and piles of junk or paper on the counters. Removing these items during this stage will make for an easier transition into your new house and less stuff you will have to pack.
Make Any Necessary Repairs. Go room by room and make notes of any nail holes, dents, cracks, loose knobs, broken items, loose hinges, discoloration from water damage. Replace light bulbs and open blinds for good lighting. Neutralize and freshen up areas with neutral-colored paint. Make sure appliances and HVAC are in good working order. If you need anything hired, keep in mind some technicians may be booked out for weeks so don’t delay.
Deep Clean. Replace stained carpet. Make every surface shine from ceiling fans to baseboards including interior windows. Wipe down light switches, door handles, and outlet covers. Take out the garbage and recycling. Tidy up spaces like the garage, attic, and storage areas. Neutralize any foul odors such as pet odors, tobacco, mold and must, etc. You may be immune to the smells from living there, but your buyers won’t be!
8. Depersonalize Each Room. Remove photo frames and posters or artwork. Make it so new buyers can see themselves living
there.
9. Adjust the Thermostat to 70 to 72 degrees so your buyers are comfortable.
10. Relocate Your Pets for the Showings when possible.
As you know, when selling your house, potential buyers want to see everything, and clutter makes a home look smaller. Too much clutter distracts buyers from the home’s features and can decrease its value! It’s about perception! EZ Declutter Solutions can identify which items to discard, store, or donate to make a home feel spacious and give it a better showing. We can pre-pack household items and remove furniture not needed so it appeals to the most potential buyer who will pay the highest possible price. After the sale, we can provide full packing and move coordination for your clients during their transition process.
EZ Declutter Solutions loves to help busy families prepare for a move. We would enjoy talking with you about how we can help prepare your home for sale or help with your decluttering needs!
Call Tricia at 812.350.0029.
Tricia@EZdeclutterSolutions.com
