Ready, Set, Sell: Checklist for Home Sellers

JANUARY 2, 2021 BY KATHERINE FALK (EDIT)

When home buyers drive your neighborhood, or when Realtors are previewing for their clients, what do they see? You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so make sure your home has the the WOW factor. Take a walk around your property right now—front to back. Pretend you’re a prospective buyer. Do you like what you see?

Here are eight quick tips for creating a visual impression that makes buyers want to see more.

1. Spruce up that curb appeal! One of the first things you should add to your checklist, is the exterior. Its the first thing a buyer will see as they look at your home whether in person or online. Mow the lawn, trim your bushes and buy a few bags of mulch to pour in the flower beds to tie things together. Power wash the outside, driveway and walkways to brighten everything up. Be sure to clean up and trash or debris. Could the front door use a new coat of paint? It’s little things like this that can help to make a great first impression.
2. Remove Clutter and depersonalize- This is the most cost effective home selling tip. Make your home clutter free! This will maximize the perceived space in your home. The more clutter there is the more uncomfortable things will feel to potential buyers. Go through everything and clear out all the non essentials. Take it a room at a time and make three piles. Pack, donate and trash. Any packed boxes can be stored neatly in your garage or if need be you can rent a storage unit. Closets need to be organized too! This next step is all about getting the buyer to see themselves living in your home. Take down all personal items. Photos or kids drawings, vacation pictures or doll collections, these personal items need to be packed away. Make the space as neutral as possible so that a potential buyer can visualize themselves living there.
3. Paint those walls!  Dark or dreary colors can shrink the perception of space. Old, stained paint makes rooms look decrepit. By painting with contemporary colors and ideally with a little insight from your real estate agent, you can change the whole feel of your home. There is not another home improvement that will give you more bang for your buck than a fresh coat of paint! It is important to stick with neutral colors. Remember, selling your home is not about personal preferences but appealing to the masses. Stick with off white, light gray or light creamy colors for maximum benefit.
4. Take Advantage of Good Lighting –  A bright cheery home is more inviting to buyers. Let the sunlight in if you can, and add some better lighting if your home is dim. Even buying brighter light bulbs can help. One of the things I always mention to my clients is to make sure all of their curtains are open, and lights remain on when there is a a scheduled showing. Again the presentation of your home is critical. Clean or remove the screens from the windows. Clean the windows. Change out dead bulbs.
5. Consider a Professional Cleaning – A clean home is inviting to buyers, whereas a dirty home can turn them away faster than just about anything. The easiest way to know you r home is spotless and looking its best is to hire a professional cleaning company. Whether you hire someone or do it yourself, make sure your kitchen and baths are spotless. Buyers will pay closer attention to these areas. Also, make sure your carpets are clean too. Consider having your carpets professionally cleaned as well. This will help with any pet odors as well.
6. Kitchen Appeal –  Many buyers are very focused on kitchens. It is where the family and guests gather the most. Formica counter tops may need to be updated. New appliances may need to be installed. Perhaps some paint and new hardware on the cabinets? Your real estate agent should be able to tell you where to spend your money so that you are making the smartest updates and repairs possible for maximum benefit to you.
7. Address all Odors –We touch on this in the cleaning section above but it is so important it is worth mentioning again. Make sure your home is free from pet, cooking or smoking odors. Try to clean away the source of the odor not just cover with room deodorizers or perfumes.
8. Take the pets with you –  During showings it is best to take your pets with you. It is hard for a buyer to concentrate on the home if the dog is barking at them the whole time and it’s stressful for your pets to have strangers wondering through their home. Cats are more challenging to take with you. Just make sure that they are safe and you have cleaned the litter box thoroughly before each showing to eliminate odors. Pick up or at least clean up the food bowls for a neat appearance.

Contact Carolina Life and find out what your home is worth. Carolina Life will give you a free home evaluation and also a market report on the other homes in your neighborhood. We can walk you through expenses, the selling process, the local market, home staging and more! Also which upgrades would add the most value to your home. Before you start call Carolina Life for your free consultation.

FILED UNDER: REAL ESTATE, SELLERS