If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, you’re not alone.
Trulia recently conducted a survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults in order to forecast homeownership for 2018. The results show 31 percent of respondents expect 2018 to be a better year for selling a home than 2017 – and only 14 percent expect it to be worse.
So for those of you planning to sell, here are some ways to prepare your home.
PREPARING YOUR HOME
- CLEAN EVERYTHING. Cleanliness signals to a buyer that the home has been well cared for and is most likely in good repair. A messy or dirty home can cause prospective buyers to notice every flaw.
- UNCLUTTER your home before you show it. Have a garage sale. Empty closets. Throw away what you can’t sell. The less “stuff” in and around a home, the roomier it will seem.
- LET THE LIGHT IN. Raise the shades. Open the blinds. Pull back the curtains. Put brighter bulbs in all the lamps (but not bright enough to cause a glare). Bright, open rooms feel larger and more inviting. Dark rooms can feel small and gloomy.
- LET FRESH AIR IN. Get rid of unpleasant odors (tobacco, pets, cooking, and musty or sour laundry). Fresh flowers and potpourri can be used to your advantage. Other smells that attract positive attention might include fresh baked bread and cinnamon.
- PAINT. A fresh coat of neutral paint can improve the value of a home at a minimal cost, and it’s often easier to paint a room than it is to scrub it.
- FIX ANYTHING THAT IS BROKEN. This could include plumbing, electrical systems, switches, windows, screens, doors, squeaky floorboards and fences; if it can’t be fixed or replaced consider getting rid of it. A buyer may make a much lower offer if your house is in disrepair and will probably still insist that everything be fixed before taking occupancy. You’re better off if you leave potential buyers no reason to offer less than you are asking.
- SEND PETS AWAY or secure them away from the house when prospective buyers are coming. You never know who will be annoyed or intimidated by your pets or even allergic to them.
- SEND THE KIDS TO GRANDMA’S or take them on a walk around the block. Children can become an adorable distraction to someone interested in looking at a home.
- KEEP NOISE DOWN. Silence is a restful sound that appeals to most everyone. Turn off the TV, but consider soft instrumental music. If necessary, close the windows to eliminate any street noise.
With clean code, variety of layouts, and easy customization capabilities, our templates help you get your job done faster and easier. Our goal is to provide you with what you need on time and on budget. We respect your budget and timeline so having expectations set ahead of time is necessary.
Get Your Home Show Ready
- Make sure the temperature in your home is comfortable – keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If it’s cooler outside and you have a fireplace, a nice fire can make your home seem cozy and inviting.
- Provide an written list of the features of your home.
- Know the distance to schools and shopping centers.
Want the full checklist for getting your home ready for a showing? Download the checklist below!
