How to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

.Selling a home can seem like a huge process, but you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to get your home ready to sell. There are a few areas you’ll want to focus on, and then other minor updates or repairs that are optional but may help your home sell more quickly or for a better price. Here are a few tips for how to get your home ready to sell.

#1 Address Major Repairs First

Any major repairs your home needs, such as fixing a leaking roof, repairing a cracked foundation, or resolving aged wiring or plumbing problems, should ideally be fixed before you sell your home. If you’re not an experienced contractor, consider hiring a professional for complicated repairs. This will ensure the work is done to the best quality. A poorly finished or half-done project could actually reduce your home’s value.

If you need to sell and your home needs major repairs and you can’t afford all of the repairs your home needs, try to prioritize the ones that are most important, especially if certain repairs involve safety issues. If you have outstanding repairs when you get the home ready to sell, you need to disclose this information to any potential buyers. Keep in mind that the price you can ask for your home may need to reflect this information as well.

Some buyers may not require you to make any repairs or changes to your home. You can sell to a real estate investor as-is, meaning they purchase your home in its current condition without having to do the typical chores to get your home ready to sell. An investor will walk through your home with you and offer you a fair price based on its market value. The best part about this type of sale is that real estate investors prefer to close on home sales quickly, meaning you can have your homes sold in as few as five days.

#2 Declutter and Clean

Clutter-free homes allow potential buyers to be able to look at the home and imagine their lives in it, rather than focusing on your belongings and disorganized closets. Rent a storage unit if necessary to temporarily store extra items while staging and showing the home. If your home is already empty, get your home ready to sell and choose a few simple furniture pieces to give potential buyers an idea of how rooms could be set up and used. Be careful not to overload the space and remove any personal items, especially photographs and knick-knacks.

First impressions mean everything. Bad odors or dust can deter buyers as soon as they walk in the door. Make sure your home has a deep cleaning before showing it to any potential buyers. If necessary, you can hire a professional service to make sure this is done properly.

#3 Paint Neutral Colors

A new coat of paint can work wonders when you get your home ready to sell. New paint covers up minor imperfections and makes your home look refreshed. When picking out the right colors for your home, choose neutral, light colors like an offwhite or cream, which makes your home look brighter and bigger. If you decide to do the painting yourself, take care to tape off trim and architectural details to achieve a neat and clean edge. Giving your home a fresh coat of paint gives potential buyers the chance to imagine their own furniture in the rooms, pictures on the walls, and lives in the home.

Don’t overlook the outside of your home, too. If your front door needs a new coat of paint, this is a good time to get your home ready to sell by freshening up your home’s appearance and improving its curb appeal.

#4 Spruce Up the Outside

While you’re outside, take a look at the landscaping around your home. Do you have unsightly weeds that have taken hold of your flower beds? Is the yard looking a little overgrown in some spots? Take some time to spruce up your outdoor spaces. This includes picking up any outside clutter like lawn ornaments or kids toys. Store these items out of sight when buyers come by to give them a great first impression of your home. If you want to add another homey detail, place a potted flower by the front door to add a pop of color, but keep your landscaping simple.

#5 Keep it Simple

If you can’t afford or don’t have the time to do all of the repairs and updates you think you need, don’t worry. Prioritize a few of the most important things and seek assistance if needed. Even a new coat of paint and some organization can go a long way.

There are some larger investments such as new countertops or a new roof that will add to the value of your home, while providing the most bang for your buck.  These two simple investments can also make an older home look new, as well as a fast turnaround on your home investment in a quick sale.

Remember that clean, simple, and fresh spaces will appeal to buyers. The right buyer will be able to look at even an older home and see the potential. The trick is getting them in the front door.

Working with a company whose mission is to assist homeowners like you to repair and prepare their homes for sale can help make the process easier and less stressful. Some renovation experts can help you get the most out of your home sale without worrying about fixing every little thing in your home first. 

Renewed Homes regularly partners with homeowners to fix up and sell older homes for a great market rate. If you’re planning to sell your home, but aren’t sure where to start, give us a call.