Selling a house can be a daunting process. When you’re ready to sell your home there are certain things that should be done to get the highest price possible and to ensure it’s as appealing as possible for potential buyers. The majority of people make mistakes when selling their homes because they don’t know what needs to happen during this period. These mistakes could potentially lower the value of your home or make it harder for someone else looking at buying your place down the road. To avoid these pitfalls, this blog post will give you a list of things you’ll want to do before putting your house on the market.
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Clean The House
Probably the most important thing you can do is clean your house from top to bottom. Before prospective buyers come through, be sure to vacuum every room and scrub all of the stains on the carpet or marks on your walls. You’ll also want to wash all of your curtains and blinds to give your home a brighter look. Once you’re finished, be sure to throw out any old food in your fridge or pantry so that it doesn’t spoil while the house is on the market. If some of the items are perishable, consider storing them in an airtight container with ice packs.
Paint The House
Old paint can be dull and drab-looking. Whether you want to upgrade to a new color or completely change the look of your place, painting is one of the best options around. This will freshen up your home in a noticeable way while also giving it a distinctive appeal that buyers will appreciate. It’s important to note that you’ll need to hire a professional painter if you want the job done right. They can help rid your place of any air bubbles or other flaws in the project.
Rearrange The Furniture
If you’ve had your furniture in the same positions for years, there’s an excellent chance that it might be time to rearrange the layout in your home. Doing this can give potential buyers a whole new perspective of the house by putting the most popular areas at the forefront of their minds. While you’re at it, get rid of any furniture that doesn’t fit your style or is beyond repair. If you know someone who could use it, consider passing on items like old stoves or fridges to someone else.
Add New Hardware
Old knobs and other hardware can make a home feel dated. Upgrade them to something more modern which will take your place up a few notches. This is one of the quickest ways to upgrade without spending too much money. This should be done in every room of your house before putting it on the market, along with your front and back door. If you’re not sure where to start, home improvement stores have several styles that can match any home decor.
Clear Out The Closets And Cabinets
While someone is looking at your house, they will want to go through all of the closets and cabinets. Make sure that everything is organized so it’s easy for potential buyers to see what they can expect when moving into your place. This includes areas like the basement and attic, which will give them an idea of how much room they have to work with. If you’re not sure what to do with certain items, consider donating them to charity or dropping them off at a thrift store. This gives others a chance to buy your stuff instead of just putting it into storage.
Clean The Windows
While you might not think about it, dirty windows can instantly turn off a buyer. Be sure to clean them before showing your home to people. You should also consider replacing older window treatments with something more modern that looks great and will last for years. Many people also choose to replace windows as a general rule. Be sure you hire a professional if you plan on doing this yourself as it’s a fairly complicated job that requires safety equipment and special tools.
Cut The Grass And Trim The Hedge
By this point, you may think that the lawn is in good shape since you tend to it every week. However, when potential buyers come through they will see things from an entirely different perspective. It’s important to make your lawn look as polished and well-maintained as possible. You can also trim back any hedges or bushes around the perimeter of your house, but this is largely a cosmetic change that doesn’t add any value to your home.
Get The Carpets Professionally Cleaned
The carpets will be the first thing that people see when they get inside your home. If you have pets or little kids, there’s a good chance that the carpets are not in great shape. Not only can this make your place look run down, but dirty carpets are difficult to clean on your own. A professional cleaner will give them a deep clean that not only makes them look great, but also removes potentially harmful bacteria.
Have Professional Photos Taken
Having professional photos taken of your home can give potential buyers a good idea of what to expect. This includes the interior and exterior of the house as well as the surrounding area. While you can take your own photos unless you have experienced it will be hard to do this effectively. Not only does taking photos require a high-quality camera, but you’ll need to know things like the best angles and lighting conditions. This is why many people choose to hire a professional photographer instead.
Conclusion
While some buyers may be able to look past a few flaws, many will not even bother going through with an offer if there’s too much work that needs to be done before moving in. This is why it’s important to get your house into show-ready shape by the time you put it on the market. A little bit of work can go a long way and greatly increase the number of people who will consider placing an offer. Just a few small changes can make a big difference when it comes to selling your home.
