So you’ve decided to put your home on the market. Like any seller, you’re hoping to sell your home quickly, and for top dollar. Unfortunately, it takes more than luck to make that happen. The good news, however, is that there are things that you can do to prepare your home to sell which will have buyers reaching for their checkbooks.
First Thing First: Have a Pre-Listing Inspection
Having a pre-listing inspection gives you as the seller a powerful marketing tool to set your home apart. It gives you the opportunity to make any needed repairs in order to more effectively market your home in the most positive light. With the knowledge you gain from having your home inspected, you can reduce the risk of surprises being found by the buyer’s inspector which can be costly and emotionally draining during negotiations. It also reduces the leverage that a buyer will have during negotiations.
A pre-listing inspection can be your competitive edge when it comes to offering the buyer greater peace of mind. Buyers will feel much more comfortable with the property knowing that the seller has given them full disclosure.
Making Repairs
Using the information you received from your pre-listing inspection, make a decision on what repairs to make before selling your home. Obviously, you will want to have any major repairs made that might hinder your home from passing an inspection, but there are some more simple repairs you can make that will make a big difference. For example, changing light bulbs, or oiling squeaky door hinges. These small items may seem simple, but they can make a big impact on a potential buyer, and they barely cost a thing. Make sure the carpet is shampooed and stain free and repair cracked or chipped tiles. A potential buyer may see cracked tiles and think the whole floor needs to be replaced. Patch and paint nail holes in walls, fix drawers that stick, or cabinet doors that are not aligned.
Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
You can boost your home’s curb appeal by cutting the lawn, pulling weeds, trimming bushes, etc. You should also clean windows, gutters, and pressure-wash dirty siding or dingy decks. Make sure your home looks like it is well maintained from the outside or nobody will even bother going inside. With good curb appeal, you set the stage for an inviting place to call home.
Although many of these suggestions seem simplistic, they can have a huge impact on the perception of the potential home buyer, and increase the chances of a signed contract turning into a closing. Taking these ideas into consideration, paired with working with a great real estate agent will have you on your way to selling your home in no time.
