PREPARING YOUR
HOME TO SELL
Making a great first impression is crucial, and this is your chance!
By completing the first 6 steps below before listing your home, you'll tackle the hardest work upfront. Once your home is on the market, you'll be able to quickly and easily take care of the 'Showing Day Checklist' before buyers arrive for their scheduled showings.
Declutter
This is a big one. Determine whether to “Keep, Purge, or Donate” every single item in your home. Going room by room, also remove personal items and excess furniture to create a spacious and neutral environment. Clear out closets to highlight the storage space ( a HUGE selling point for buyers ). A temporary storage unit comes in handy for items you won’t need until after the move
Depersonalize
Pack away personal photos, collections and memorabilia to help buyers envision themselves in the home.
Make Necessary Repairs
Repair, replace or refresh any visible issues, such as leaky faucets, old caulk, broken tiles, stained carpet, squeaky doors, damaged walls, etc. Ensure all light switches and bulbs are working. Check or service all major systems including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, windows, roof and kitchen appliances. You can also consider a pre-inspection to identify any potential issues that need repair before listing. Major issues will more than likely come up on a Home Inspection anyway, so better to eliminate problems before they arise.
Deep Clean
Deep clean and organize every single area of the home, including carpets, windows, baseboards and appliances. Don’t forget the exterior! Power wash the home and driveway, and clean out those gutters. A crystal clean home is inviting and portrays that HGTV lifestyle buyers are looking for.
Enhance Curb Appeal
Mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and adding seasonal flowers, small shrubs or fresh mulch can go a long way. Consider giving your front door, shutters, or exterior trim a fresh coat of paint if showing signs of wear. Updating your house numbers can also portray a modern and inviting front view.
Stage Your Home
According to a report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes typically sell 88% faster and for 20% more than non-staged homes. THAT IS SO MUCH MORE MONEY IN YOUR POCKET! Remove excess pieces that could cause a room to appear smaller and arrange furniture so it “flows” and highlights each room’s specific functionality. Keep ALL decorative objects restricted to groups of 1, 3, or 5 items in any given area to avoid a cluttered look, and use neutral colors and decor wherever possible. Arrange furniture or decor to emphasize the unique or desirable features of your home, and use fresh flowers, plants, or fruit bowls as accents to add color and life.
SHOWING DAY CHECKLIST:
Turn off all TV/Radio systems.
Have assigned baskets and drawers on standby to quickly hide clutter.
Clear and wipe down all surfaces in Kitchens, Bathrooms and Living Rooms.
Make the beds, and hide clutter in drawers or under the beds (not in closets).
Clear front and backyard of any debris, toys, tools, etc.
Open all curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. (Daytime showings).
Turn on every light in the home (Day or Nighttime showings).
Leave the house. Probably the single most important thing you can do is have a plan for 30 minutes to 1 hour away from home during showing times, taking children (and if possible, any pets) along with you. Even if the buyer’s agent insists it’s ok, you're doing yourself a disservice to stay. Buyers who get emotionally committed to your home are more likely to write an offer, and generally speaking, it’s hard to become connected to a home in front of an audience.