Wondering what you should do to prepare your house before it goes on the market? There are a few things that you can do to maximize your home’s value and curb appeal so that it will sell fast and for top dollar. Continue reading to learn which home services realtors recommend people have to get their homes in tip-top shape.
1. Find the Right Real Estate Agent
If you and your spouse are selling and buying another home in the same general area make sure the realtors you interview for consideration are experienced with the area and neighborhood. This is especially true in a seller’s market because many homes are sold before they even get publicly listed for sale, but only if the realtor you use knows other sellers and buyers.
You should also discuss what attributes you’re looking for in a home are most important so that you can express this to the realtors you interview. Their reactions to your must-haves will likely narrow the pool of realtors rather quickly.
2. Refresh Exterior & InteriorPaint & Trim
A fresh coat of paint on the outside of your home gives it a clean, crisp look that will make buyers want to go inside to see more. A nice neutral white or grey coat of paint on the interior walls of your home also makes it feel fresh and new.
Who knew something as simple as a fresh coat of paint could make such a difference? Just make sure your painting contractor cleans the exterior of your home thoroughly before painting it, or it might look worse than before after it rains.
3. Have Your Windows Professionally Cleaned
Sure, you can clean some of the windows yourself but let’s face it; most of the windows in your home are too high for your to reach and/or clean properly and safely. A professional window cleaning company has the ladders, scaffolding, and safety equipment needed to clean the inside and outside of even your second story windows leaving them shiny as new.
4. Flower Bed & Garden Refresh
Plant new flowers in your flower beds and refresh the mulch to give your yard a fresh, well kept appearance. After all, people looking to buy used homes are looking for hidden gems that appear barely lived-in.
5. Home Deep Cleaning
Having your home deep cleaned before listing it for sale is non-negotiable. Nothing will make a buyer walk out of a home faster than a dirty or smelly house. Ensure the house cleaning company you hire is careful to remove any dust from the blinds, shelves, and other fixtures.
It’s equally important that any discoloration on the cabinets is filled in with a pen matching the stain or paint. If you have carpet, have it professionally cleaned (or removed because it’s cheap to replace).
6. Put Bulky Furniture & Toys in Storage
If you have bulky furniture or toys making any rooms feel crowded or cluttered it’s time to get a self-storage unit to remove them temporarily while it’s being photographed for the MLS listing and showings. Too much furniture or stuff in general is going to make your home feel smaller and less inviting. You can always move the items to your new, larger home after you sell it.
7. Pressure Wash Your Driveway, Patios, and Sidewalks
While most driveways accumulate a little dirt, grime, and maybe the occasional stain when you’re putting your house on the market you want it to look its best. Either power wash it yourself or have a professional pressure washing contractor come out to do it.
8. ConsiderHaving it Professionally Staged
While having your home professionally staged could be extremely inconvenient, in some cases your realtor may strongly encourage you to hire a professional stager. Whether you have unconventional stylistic choices or your furniture is too large for the space, your realtor also wants you to get top dollar for your home; maybe it’s worth being a little uncomfortable while it’s on the market. Who knows, you could get an offer before it hits the market.
9. Paint or Re-Stain Front Door
Your home’s front door should make possible buyers want to enter and stay a while. A freshly stained or painted front door further reinforces to the buyer how well-kept and like-new your home is.
10. Create a Front Porch Sitting Area
Create a sitting area with two chairs and matching pillows and a side table to make it feel warm and inviting. If all you have is a bench that will work too. Just make sure you add elements to soften the area such as an outdoor rug to anchor the area, flower pots, or a planter.
11. Take Down Personal Pictures
You want potential buyers to feel at home and feel like they can imagine themselves living in your home. That’s why it’s a good idea to pack up any family pictures or other personal items in common areas. Replace them with minimal artwork that matches the style and colors of the space instead.
Let’s face it; selling a home is stressful. Fortunately, there are many little things you can do to perk up your home and make it more appealing to buyers so it will sell faster and for more money.
We wish you the best of luck in your home selling or buying journey and look forward to helping you with any interior or exterior home cleaning services you may need. Call (832) 977-5379 to schedule a free quote for service in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, or West Houston, Texas.