For some making the decision to sell their home is a long process for others, the decision is made overnight and a sign is on the lawn the next morning. For some, they want to ensure they have a firm offer on their old house prior to making any offers on a new home, and others want to find their dream home prior to selling their current home. There is no standard rule book when it comes to buying or selling your home, you can go at your own pace and use your own process.
No matter how you approach it, if you are looking to get top dollar for your home on the market, you will need to prepare your home to be sold. There is a lot of work that goes into making a home look and function it’s best prior to be put on the market. If you are selling your home for the first time, you may ask: “How do I get my house ready to sell?”
Here are 5 essential steps to getting your home ready to sell.
1. Partner with a Realtor
Building a team of professionals to help you sell your home will give you the biggest opportunity to sell your home for top dollar. Seek out a reputable Real Estate Agent that is familiar with your neighbourhood. If you do not have an agent, look to friends and family to refer agents they trust. A real estate agent will help you throughout the entire selling process, from setting your asking price to set up for open houses. They can also refer you to other professionals that they have worked within the past.
2. Find a Professional Photographer
For most home buyers, the process begins by searching for listings online. A professional photographer will help your home stand out online as they know how to take the perfect photos of your home. They will ensure the photos are taken from the correct angles and utilizing natural light to showcase your home and draw potential buyers. The money spent will be well worth it.
3. Declutter
An organized home looks more spacious and more inviting. Clearing up space and eliminating most of your personal items will help potential buyers envision your home as theirs. This feeling of ‘I’m home’ is what will ultimately draw in your potential buyer.
4. Deep Clean Your Home
You may never have cleaned behind the TV or under your stove before, but when you are getting ready to sell your home you will want to clean every inch of your home. Every corner high and low, every baseboard, and behind every appliance should be spotless. You do not want a potential buyer to walk away from your home thinking it was not maintained previously. Hiring a professional cleaning service to complete the original deep clean is a good idea, as their team of cleaners can go through your entire house in less time than it would take you to clean half. With a cleaning service, you will just be left to complete spot cleanups prior to open houses or walkthroughs.
5. Complete Small Repairs
You want your potential buyer to feel like they can walk into your home and begin enjoying their new place, rather than have them completing lists of repairs. Investing a little bit of money into updating your home will yield significant returns once sold. A new coat of neutral coloured paint is a must, as the colour will be appealing to a wider audience and the paint will cover any scuff marks on your walls. Replacing the handles and knobs on the cabinets in your kitchen and bathroom will give those rooms a bit of a newer feel. Replacing all light bulbs, with new LEDs will help brighten up your home.
When looking to sell your home quickly, do not try to go at it alone. Make sure you have the right professional support to highlight the best of your home. You want potential buyers to see that the previous owner was proud of their home and took care of it. With a little preparation and a bit of luck, you will be able to match your home with the perfect buyer.
