10 Tips to Help Sell Your Home

Deciding to sell your home is a big deal. No one can deny that! And with making that decision, there are things to consider to help your house stand out to potential buyers in today’s hot real estate market. Check out these 10 tips to help boost your chances of getting that home-selling process off to a speedy start!

#1 – First Impressions Count

In the real estate world, first impressions are critical. Everything from walking up to the front door to their first steps inside will impact their opinions of the home. Honestly, potential buyers will make judgments before even getting out of their vehicle. Knowing this ahead of time allows you the opportunity to “wow” them from the get-go. Clean up your walkway. Add some flowers or shrubs to bring life to this important area of your home. Or, maybe you just need to trim the hedges and wash the driveway.

Don’t forget about the entrance into your home. Make your guests feel welcome and safe. They will come into this with a more open mind, thinking about all of the possibilities for them and their family. Consider a light air freshener to make it feel and smell homey. You could always add a vase of fresh flowers to help with aesthetics and aroma. You never want to miss your chance at making a positive first impression!

#2 – Contain the Clutter

While this one may take some time, it is an easy (and free!) way to boost your selling potential! Everyone wants more room, so it’s important to maximize the storage and space in your home. Clutter in the home makes it feel smaller, and this includes everything from your office to your garage to your closets. Consider removing items from your closet to make it feel bigger. Clean up any loose papers around the house, get rid of unnecessary furniture that may make the area look crowded, and make your bed. Allow the potential buyers to see what the house really looks like rather than having to envision it with less “stuff.”

#3 – Light the Way

Let the natural light in! Be sure to open up your curtains to allow the light to shine on the interior of your house. Don’t forget to wash your windows, though! A bright home makes it feel more open, cheerful, and ultimately, more inviting. If you don’t have many natural light options, leave some lamps or accent lights on to help brighten the surroundings. Adding or replacing dull bulbs can have a tremendous impact.

#4 – Keep the Personal…Personal

This one can be difficult! However, depersonalizing your home at least a little can help in the selling process. When removing some of the personal items, you allow the buyers to see themselves in the home. Consider putting some of your photos, trophies, keepsakes, etc., away for a bit. While this can be hard to do, it’s a great way to clean the area up and let the buyers make a connection to your home.

#5 – Focus on the Kitchen

If there is one room in your home that is the focal point, it is the kitchen. It’s where families gather for fun, food, and fellowship! So, this is naturally an area that needs some attention when selling. You can make some fairly quick upgrades, including a fresh coat of paint, deep cleaning the cabinets and countertops, and updating the hardware on your cabinets.

As we spoke earlier about decluttering, this definitely applies to your kitchen! Clear off the countertops and the top of your refrigerator. Make it feel more open and spacious. You might consider removing all of the pictures and magnets on your fridge as well. Help make this area a place where your potential buyers can see themselves hosting family and friends and cooking up delicious meals.

#6 – Be Prepared for Showings

If you have young children, this can be a challenge, but it is so important to have your home “show ready” at a moment’s notice. If you are leaving for work for the day, make sure you tidy up before heading out. Some common areas that need some attention before you exit the premises are the kitchen sink (stick those dirty dishes in the dishwasher), toys scattered around the home (just tuck them in a basket or toy box), and bathroom counters (try to give them a little swipe before leaving). Try to get in a habit of vacuuming and dusting frequently as well. These things can make a huge difference!

#7 – Repair the Obvious

This one is a little tricky – it can cost you a little money. However, if there is anything in need of repair, it’s most likely the smart decision, in the long run, to fix it now. For example, if you have a broken window, a leaky faucet, or stains on the ceiling, those are things to repair. They can make your buyers lose confidence in your house if they are left unfixed. Your real estate agent can also give you some tips on areas that might need a little TLC as well. They know what to look for and what could prevent buyers from moving forward. So, if you need to touch up some paint, replace some light bulbs, or get some plumbing addressed, do so now and help yourself down the road!

#8 – Find a Different Location for Your Furry Friends

Here’s another one that may not be the easiest to remedy… When you have a showing, it is best to avoid having pets in the home. This also applies to the food and water bowls, the litter box, the chew toys, and the hair that can linger in the corners of your home. These can often give a negative vibe to potential buyers, especially if they are not animal lovers.

Be sure to cover up any odors as well! If you have a friend or neighbor willing to pet sit, that would be a great solution. If not, start thinking of a plan to help make your potential buyer’s experience more pleasant.

#9 – Pricing Matters

There is a fine line between overpricing and underpricing. You want to make the most money, but you also don’t want to scare people away. This is why working with a professional is critical. Realtors know the ins and outs of the real estate world and can provide the guidance you need. It’s important to be open to listening to what they have to say. Your agent will be able to compare your home to other similar ones in the area to help get your home priced right. Which leads us to the next point…

#10 – Working with a Trusted Agent

Here’s where a lot of your stress can subside… Find yourself a trusted real estate agent, and you will feel a weight lifted off of your shoulders. They will do their research, help protect you, and advocate for you. Find someone who is passionate about helping others and who you are comfortable with asking questions. Having multiple marketing avenues is also helpful in today’s digital world so that your home can get in front of potential buyers. Ultimately, your realtor will know the laws, the industry, and different ways to market your home to help your real estate transaction become a success story!

Whether you are in a hurry to sell or just testing the waters, these tips should give you that extra edge and help your house stand out in today’s market. We hope you enjoy the process and get that sale!

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If you would like to view more tips on how to get your house ready for the market, check out “Your Pre-Inspection Checklist.” If you have any questions, be sure to give us a call. We’re here to help!