A Clean Sweep: Set the Stage for A Successful Sale!

People decide to buy a house for all kinds of reasons. If a buyer narrows his list down to two or three properties that are comparable in terms of features such as square footage and storage space, his final decision could come down to something comparatively minor, but which makes a big impression. That’s why it’s so important to do a good job preparing your home for sale: You never know what detail could swing things in your favor. For instance, well-organized closets or a fresh coat of paint in the main entry hallway could sway a discriminating buyer. Here are a few other tips from Realtor Fred Amendola that you should consider.

Get Yourself Organized

Before you can really get your house in tip-top shape, you need to set up a game plan. Unfortunately, if you’re among the people who have a hard time staying on task and organizing your life, you might have trouble tackling your home. Fortunately, the Balance has a handy list of great apps that can help you get your life on the right track, including apps for procrastinators (Procrasterapp), people who need help with productivity (RescueTime), and those who struggle with overall task management (Things). All you need to do is download these apps to your phone and input some information — then you’re on your way!

Do keep in mind, however, that older phones might have some difficulties with newer apps, particularly if you’re running a lot of them at once. If you’re finding this is true for your phone, you may need to update your tech to help you stay on top of everything you need to do. If these apps strike your fancy but your phone needs an upgrade, look to a model with high-quality features like a speedy smartphone chip and fast internet capabilities. That way, you can be well-prepared for the tasks ahead.

Keep It Fresh

A fresh-smelling home is actually a key component of making a good impression on potential buyers. An important thing to remember is that you don’t want to cover odors, but rather, eliminate them whenever possible, especially if you have pets. A house that’s too perfumey from scented candles or sprays could make visitors wonder what you’re trying to cover up. Invest in an air purifier; look for a model that has a HEPA filter, and if you’re a pet owner, one that’s designed to eliminate odors, hair, and dander that our beloved four-legged friends leave in our homes’ air. Deodorize the carpets and upholstery, and put a cup of baking soda in the fridge; it may sound unnecessary, but you should be prepared for home shoppers to look in every space in your home. Besides, a stinky refrigerator can leak odors into your kitchen every time you open the door.

Downgrade the Decor 

Remember, the space you’re showing isn’t going to be yours. Ideally, it’ll be the home of someone who schedules a visit to your home or drives by and loves what they see enough to check it out. Your best bet is to de-emphasize decor and stress those features that buyers really want to see, such as open space and a clean and decluttered property, so take down the pricey artwork and cover up that cutting-edge furniture.

Nothing Personal

Some homeowners leave personal photos and mementos hanging and on display believing that they’ll show how homey and comfortable their house can be. Most realtors advise depersonalizing their space by taking down all those photos and objects, which can create a distraction and take away from what you’re really trying to accomplish with a showing, which is to allow viewers to envision your home as their own.

Well-Ordered Closets

Most buyers have a lot of interest in storage space. The better you can organize closets, the garage, attic or other storage spaces, the more you’ll impress people with a well-organized home with plenty of convenient and decluttered storage. Clean out the clutter, which can easily accumulate over the years, and use boxes and dividers to keep everything organized and in its proper place.

Let in the Light

Plenty of lighting, especially natural light, is another major selling point with homebuyers. Open all your windows and consider changing any window treatments that are looking dingy and dirty to enhance the effect of all that light. Add a floor or table lamp in a room that doesn’t get much light, but make sure you’re not using soft white light bulbs. Remember that light can make a room look larger, as well as brighter and more cheerful, which always makes a positive impression.

Check the Flow

As you go about staging your home, bear in mind that a cramped and uncomfortable space will work against you by making everything look smaller than it is. That’s defeating the purpose of getting your home ready to sell, which is to show off how much square footage you have and let buyers see all the design and flow-through possibilities your house can offer.

A Deep Clean

An immaculately clean home is absolutely essential when preparing to sell. Think of it the same way you would when entertaining; you’d give everything a good cleaning. It’s much the same, only much more intensive. If you don’t have a lot of spare time, have your home cleaned by a professional service and make sure every nook and cranny gets attention. Most homeowners pay $150 to $250 for professional cleaning, but this price will vary depending on the size of your home.

Kitchen Upgrades

The kitchen is the heart of most homes and one of the most important rooms for potential homebuyers. If you’re looking for a notable upgrade, consider having granite countertops installed. Adding a new cabinet and drawer hardware can give your kitchen an upgraded look for a fraction of the price.

Curb Appeal

Don’t overlook your home’s curb appeal, which is a key factor in attracting buyers. Keep the lawn mowed and well-manicured, put down a fresh layer of mulch, and keep the bushes trimmed away from the house. Check to see if the trim or front door needs repainting as well, and add a pop of color with potted flowers near the front door. Your driveway and walkways will benefit from a good power washing if you’re beginning to see mold on the concrete.

A house that is properly prepared to sell will let buyers see what makes your home so desirable. Your job is to create a clean and clutter-free space that casts your house in the best possible light. Follow these steps and work with an expert Realtor like Fred Amendola, and you’ll definitely reap the benefits.

Photo credit:  Pexels

Suzie Wilson

info@happierhome.net  

Happier Home