8 Tasks to Get Your Home Market-Ready

We all have that to-do list laying around somewhere, don’t we? The list of projects we’d like to do around the house but never find the time for. Isn’t it funny how we can go years without making progress on that list, and then when we want our home to be market-ready, those tasks suddenly become a top priority? 

You don’t have to cross every item off of your to-do list to get your home market-ready. Buyers aren’t expecting perfection, but there are some things you can do around the house to make your home more appealing. 

#1 Make NECESSARY repairs

Major repairs are one of the biggest deterrents for home buyers. Bust out the tool belt and start working on that honey-do list. If you’d rather leave the repairs up to the new owners, get reasonable quotes for the projects that need to be done. Offering to pay for some (or all) of these repairs is a helpful bargaining chip for sellers and can motivate potential buyers to make a purchase.

#2 Tend to the yard

Curb appeal matters! No matter how amazing the inside of your home is, the state of your yard makes the first impression. Rake the leaves. Mow the lawn. Trim the trees and shrubs. Let potential buyers know that your home is well-maintained and market-ready. Click here for some Front Yard Landscaping Hacks to Boost Curb Appeal.

#3 Clean the exterior

Don’t have a power washer? Rent one! Blasting that dirt, mold, and mildew off the side of your home will make your home look newer and more appealing.

Tips from Lowe’s: How to Pressure Wash a House

#4 Limit clutter and decor

When selling your home, you want potential buyers to be able to visualize what their life could look like in that space. You don’t want them to be distracted by personal items like family photos, personal knick knacks, or other decor. Declutter shelves, walls, and surfaces to give your home a clean, simple look. If you’ve made any bold style choices with things like paint or wallpaper, consider redoing these spaces with neutral tones.

#5 Organize closets and storage space

Most buyers are looking for ample storage space in their next home. Messy closets send the message that your home doesn’t have enough room for your stuff. Not a selling point! Go through and organize, or better yet, start packing up your closets. If you can, avoid storing things in the basement, garage, or spare bedroom. We recommend keeping things in a storage unit, or maybe a friend’s garage? 

#6 Stage every space

You want every room to look its best when showing your home. If you have a spare room that’s empty or a cluttered catch-all space, make an effort to stage these areas. Use simple furniture and decor to show how the space could be used, even if you didn’t utilize it yourself. 

Read this blog for tips on best arranging your living room furniture.

#7 Give the outdated some attention

You don’t have to undertake a full home renovation when trying to sell your home. A few small, modern touches go a long way. Upgrade dated cabinets with new handles or knobs. Spruce up a dingy looking couch with a slipcover. Swap out the water stained faucet for a new one. Install shiny, new hinges on doors. These kinds of details get noticed!

#8 Last minute cleaning checklist

Right before every showing, go through a quick cleaning checklist. You want your home to look (and smell) its best every time. 

• Clear and clean surfaces
• Vacuum main spaces
• Take out trash
• Hide litter box
• Plug in an air freshener
• Make beds
• Open curtains and blinds
• Fresh, matching towels in bathrooms

It’s a seller’s market out there right now. I’m telling you, if you’re thinking about putting your house on the market, you better be ready to move. Houses are being sold within a few days (maybe even hours) of being listed in Southwest Missouri. It’s always a good idea to make improvements to your home in order to make a good impression on potential buyers. However, this may not be necessary right now due to the limited number of homes on the market. The way properties are currently selling, you could probably just go ahead and list your home. Even if you don’t think it’s market-ready, someone else might!