Selling a home involves more than just putting a “For Sale” sign in the front yard, clicking the “list” button on a real estate website, and waiting for offers to roll in. It is especially true if you hope to get top dollar for your property.

Most homebuyers are too picky to settle for a “fixer-upper.” They’ll expect you to have done some basics and even a few extras before they make an offer. However, if your home isn’t in good condition, you might find yourself making deep discounts or, even worse, having it sit on the market for months without any offers.

Considering the rising real estate costs and the current competition among sellers, you must prepare your house before putting it on the market. Here are the top six things to do: 

1. Declutter

Clutter is a huge turnoff for potential buyers because it gives the impression that the house isn’t well cared for. They may find it hard to imagine living in the space, let alone buying it when the current owners have failed to keep it tidy. It also makes the house look smaller, which can reduce its perceived value.

Therefore, it is essential to declutter every area of the house. It includes removing all unnecessary items from closets, drawers, shelves, and counters to make them look as spacious as possible. Consider renting a storage unit to hold the valuables not needed for staging. It will help you make the most of the available space in your home and create an excellent first impression.

Use a reliable and affordable storage company like 495 Movers Inc. for your storage needs. The storage units are available in different sizes and offer secure spaces for your items. This way, you can easily access them when you move and avoid decluttering twice. 

2. Deep Clean Your Home

Most homeowners overlook the importance of a deep clean before they put their house on the market. They think that simple dusting and vacuuming will do the job. However, potential buyers will open cupboards, drawers, and closets while inspecting the house, and if they find dirt and grime in those areas, it could cost you a sale.

So, if you want to ensure your house is in top condition for potential buyers, deep clean it. It includes scrubbing walls and ceilings, vacuuming carpets, cleaning windows, and mopping floors to remove any dirt and grime that may have accumulated over time. It will also give the house a fresh, inviting scent that could make potential buyers feel more at home while looking around.

3. Make Necessary Repairs

Although repairs are the ugliest part of selling a house, they are necessary to get the best price for your home. That is because most potential buyers expect the place to be in good condition and to avoid dealing with repairs themselves.

Therefore, take time to identify any areas needing repair and ensure they are fixed before you put the house on the market. It includes minor items such as replacing broken door handles or light switches, changing outworn taps, or fixing leaking faucets.

Also, remember to take care of any more extensive repairs that could significantly impact your home’s price. It could include fixing plumbing issues, replacing broken windows, or repairing roof damage. Doing so will help reduce the chance of your buyer renegotiating after a home inspection.

4. Repaint the Interiors

Repainting the interiors is another critical aspect of prepping a house for sale. A fresh coat of paint will make the house look more inviting and reduce the need for potential buyers to renovate it themselves.

You can choose neutral colors that appeal to a wide range of people and make the house look bigger and brighter. Or you can use bold colors to add a touch of personality and make it stand out from other properties on the market. If you need help deciding what color to use, ask yourself five questions and make an informed decision.

Also, remember that you don’t have to break the bank for repainting. You can use high-quality paint and do it yourself to save costs.

5. Stage Your Home

As much as you’d like potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the house, they need help picturing it. That is where staging comes in. It involves arranging furniture and decor to attract buyers and make the house look more inviting.

You can start with the kitchen and living room, as these are usually the areas most people focus on when looking for a house. Make sure all furniture is arranged nicely and in the right places. Add some artwork or a few plants to make the house feel cozy. 

You can also stage other areas like bedrooms and bathrooms to give a better idea of how the house could look. You don’t need to spend much on staging — use what you already have and rearrange it. Follow these pro home staging tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making the house more attractive to potential buyers.

Alternatively, remember to stage the outdoor areas of your home as well. A clean and well-maintained garden or patio will attract buyers and make them feel like they’re getting a great deal.

6. Hire a Professional Photographer

Home buyers usually start their search online. They browse through listings, view photos, and decide whether or not they should visit and inspect the house. That is why uploading quality photos of your home online is essential.

It can be tempting to take the photos yourself, but hiring a professional photographer will make all the difference. They will ensure that the images of your house accurately depict its unique look and condition. Plus, professional photographers have specialized equipment to take high-quality photos from the best angles and know how to get the most out of the available light. They can also help you with videos and virtual tours to give potential buyers a better idea of your house’s appearance. You can ask the photographer to edit the images for you and make them look even better.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re selling your home yourself or with the help of a real estate agent, make sure to prep the house for sale. Depersonalize the house by removing personal items and other valuables and storing them in a secure storage unit. Clean all areas of the house and make any necessary repairs to ensure it looks its best for potential buyers. Repaint the interiors, stage it, and hire a professional photographer to take quality photos for your online listing.