It's easy to get overwhelmed with a milelong to-do list once you finally decide to list your home for sale... but we don't want anything to slip through the cracks during the preparation process! This week, we decided to feature a few of the (less obvious) and most commonly overlooked seller tasks.
Focus on Staging
Has your furniture been arranged the same way since you moved into your home several years ago? You may be comfortable with the current setup (after all, it was functional for you and your family) but it may not be the best way to showcase your space from a buyer's perspective.
First things first: Eliminate or store away any bulky furniture from the living room, kitchen and master bedroom since they are the most important rooms to consider. Then position couches, chairs and tables in a way that creates as much open space as possible.
It also goes without saying that you will need to take some time to declutter, deep clean and depersonalize. Think about how it feels when you walk through a brand new model home and then try to recreate that vibe. The good news is you don't have to spend a lot of money - it's all about making smart decisions with what you already own.
Simply put, you want the buyer to envision themselves living in your home.
Curb Appeal
Don't let the exterior slip through the cracks! If you fail to give the outside of your home the attention it needs, you may not attract a lot of buyers to even see the inside at all.
Powerwashing, a welcome mat and some potted plants can turn a drab exterior into a totally fab one! If you have a lawn, mow it. If you have landscaping, add some fresh mulch. While you're working outside, be sure to wipe down your windows too.
Most sellers focus entirely on getting the inside of their home ready but often neglect the curb appeal aspect. Since it's the first impression a buyer gets, make it one to remember!
Highlight your Smart Home Tech
If your home has tech such as a smart lock, thermostat, fire detector or carbon monoxide detector, don't forget to highlight it! Most buyers consider these features necessary in our digital age and could make your home stand out.
If you feel like your home could benefit from this tech being added, go for it! Already have a smart home? Great! Your realtor should be highlighting these features to potential buyers. Additionally, make sure your realtor places a high value on marketing your home digitally on Facebook.
Tackle Home Odors
If we're being honest, unpleasant smells can be a dealbreaker for a buyer. Even if the home is appropriately priced and the kitchen is beautifully renovated, smells caused by pets, smoking and more can be the reason a home sits on the market longer than it should.
It's likely that your home smells just fine but just in case it needs a scent intervention, tackle lingering odors head-on by replacing the carpet, painting the walls and deep cleaning. You can also minimize odors by using baking soda, coffee grounds, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar and lemons.
Once you get any unpleasant odors under control, don't forget to use wall plug-ins, candles or essential oil diffusers to distribute a cohesive and pleasant scent throughout your home.
Update Lighting, Hardware and Fixtures
Let there be light! Buyers love light and bright rooms so make sure all of your light bulbs have been replaced. If your fixtures are dated, consider replacing them. Make sure your lighting temperature is cohesive throughout your home and that you use a combination of overhead lighting and lamps to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Are your lightswitch covers, doorknobs and handles looking kind of grungy? What kind of shape are your shower heads and kitchen faucet in? These items are very easy to replace and can make a world of difference to a buyer.
Minimize Decor
In addition to depersonalizing your home, you should also consider toning down your decor. Although your brightly colored walls may be a reflection of your style, they could be a huge turn-off for buyers. It's safest to stick with neutral wall colors such as gray, white and taupe.
You should also be mindful that some of your other decor and accessories may be offputting to a buyer. The goal is to keep the decor uncluttered, elegant and color-coordinated.
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