Steps for Preparing Your Home to Put on the Market

1.26.2023 | Category: Article

Preparing your home before putting it on the market is an important first step toward selling your house. It can help increase the chances of your home selling quickly and for a higher price. It can also give you a jump start to packing and getting ready for the big move to your new home. 

“First impressions are important, and a well-prepared home can make a great first impression on potential buyers,” says Christina Hink, a licensed real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty in Orange County, California. “Moreover, first impressions can help a home sell faster, and for more money than a seller may have originally listed it for, making for a wise investment upfront. In fact, buyers are known to make a decision within 10 seconds of stepping into a home, so it’s good to put your best foot forward.” 

If you’re looking to sell your home soon, here are some suggestions for preparing your home before putting it on the market. 

First, tackle your curb appeal.

Curb appeal refers to the visual attractiveness of a home from the street or curb. It is important when selling your home because it creates a positive first impression for potential buyers. A home with good curb appeal is more likely to attract buyers and generate interest in seeing the inside of the home.

Curb appeal is important, so make sure your landscaping is well-maintained and your home's exterior is clean and inviting. Improving curb appeal doesn't have to be expensive, small changes like a fresh coat of paint, neatly trimmed lawn, and colorful flowers can make a big difference. In addition, a home with good curb appeal is often perceived as being in better condition and may be worth more money.

Next, start decluttering and deep cleaning your home. 

Start packing away any items you may no longer need until you move. Consider putting holiday or home decor in storage, donating toys that are no longer played with and cleaning out your closets. Deep clean carpets, walls and drapery, especially if you have pets to eliminate odor. These first steps will help create a more spacious and inviting atmosphere for potential buyers, as well as give you a headstart on packing. 

Make any necessary repairs or updates. 

You should go through your house and fix leaky faucets, paint dull or chipping walls, or tighten loosen door knobs and cabinets. Homebuyers will likely turn faucets, inspect corners and twist door knobs and needed repairs will be obvious to any potential buyer. 

Expensive updates like replacing windows or flooring can and should be left to prospective buyers, as these can often come with a personal preference for style and can actually deter buyers from making an offer since they won’t have the opportunity to choose for themselves. 

Stage your home to highlight its best features. 

Consider hiring a professional stager to help you showcase your home in its best light. They can give great advice for rearranging furniture, adding neutral decor, and highlighting natural light. If you’re tight on funds, ask your real estate agent to help you make staging decisions or enlist a few honest friends or neighbors to give you feedback on your home’s best features. 

Make sure your home is well-lit, both inside and out.

Make use of natural light and keep curtains drawn open during showings. Be sure to trim any trees that could be interfering with natural light and get those windows squeaky clean before you’re ready to open up your home to buyers. 

In addition, go through your house and check all light fixtures. Consider upgrading to higher-wattage bulbs for extra brightness or add extra lamps to enhance the overall lighting in the home. This will help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and make it easier for potential buyers to see your home in its best light.

Take high-quality photos of your home for listing.

Most real estate agents will agree; hire a professional real estate photographer to take high-quality photos of your home before you list it. Most home shoppers will browse listings online before booking listing appointments or heading out to an open house. Give your home the best chance of being seen by investing in top-notch marketing and photographer for your home. 

Price your home competitively to attract buyers.

Working with your real estate agent to price your home competitively is crucial when trying to attract buyers. First, look at similar homes as yours in the area that are currently for sale or have recently sold. Compare the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, age, and condition of the homes to your own. This will give you a good idea of the current market value of your home.

Be flexible with showings, and make sure your home is always ready for potential buyers to view.

Being flexible with the days and times buyers can tour your home will increase the chances of it selling. You should make a plan to be away from the property so prospective buyers feel more comfortable asking the agent questions and touring the home privately. If you have pets or small children, be sure to tidy up before each showing and consider bringing your furry friends or little ones with you when you leave. 

By preparing your home before putting it on the market, you can increase the chances of a successful sale and potentially sell your home for a higher price. A licensed real estate professional who knows your market can help ensure you’ve taken the right steps to get your home ready to sell. 

If you’re ready to put your home on the market, be sure to work with a licensed real estate professional, and when you’re ready to buy, consider contacting Mutual of Omaha Mortgage