How To Sell Your Home Fast
When getting ready to sell your home, there are many aspects you need to consider from a buyer’s point of view to achieve a successful sale.
So, before you decide to list your (lived in) home for sale and hope for the best, consider these fifteen ways to strengthen your chances of selling and maximize your profits.
#1 Curb Appeal Matters!
Curb appeal does matter. Your home’s appearance from the street is the very first impression your potential buyers will get. When this initial impression is formed, immediately, the potential buyer begins to feel optimistic or pessimistic about the viewing they are about to experience.
You always want the potential buyers to come into your home with a positive attitude and a completely open mind. That being said, don’t forget to manicure your lawn, clear away any trash or plant debris, repair fences, and store away any outdoor toys your children may have left lying around.
#2 Pressure Wash Where Necessary
If you have an older driveway, carport, or back patio, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to break out a pressure washer and give those areas a bit of love too. Most buyers enjoy the idea of pleasant outdoor living spaces.
#3 CLEAN EVERYTHING
When getting ready to sell, you need to start thinking of your home as just a house, because until moved into, that’s all it will ever be to anyone else… and a dirty house is off-putting in any setting to any audience. Although your friends understand that you have 4 kids and a dog, buyers do not.
Your viewers need to experience a fresh and comfortable vibe to positively visualize themselves living in the space. To ensure this happens, give your home the deepest clean you’ve ever given and leave no stone unturned.
#4 Organize, Declutter & Depersonalize
Be sure to declutter and organize your home as much as possible. A tidy home makes a positive impression.
Another way to help potential buyers visualize themselves in your home is by depersonalizing and minimizing your styles and tastes as much as possible. Specific styles/decor may be offputting to someone with opposite tastes and can make it very hard for them to visualize the space as their own.
#5 Make Minor Repairs & Finish Leftover Projects
If your home has blown light bulbs, replace them. If your doorknobs don’t work the way they should, fix them. If you have a run down ceiling fan that could potentially be an eyesore, replace that too. If you began painting your dining room 6 months ago or reworking your crown molding, finish the job.
Although these things may seem small to you, for a potential buyer, every minor detail stands out and attributes to the forming of an overall opinion of the space. The last thing you want is potential buyers leaving a viewing feeling overwhelmed with the thought of the work they would need to put in after purchasing.
#6 Keep Decor Simple
If you have an obsession with weenie dogs, put away the statues and puppy throws. If you enjoy collecting porcelain dolls or any other quirky items, invest in a storage unit and kindly put them away.
Try to avoid loud colors and odd wall decor. If you have strong political or religious beliefs, it may be best to put away any yard signs, or propaganda.
#7 Replace Your Welcome Mat
If you have an old dusty welcome mat, you can barely read anymore, replace it. Find something simple, clean, and inviting to take its place and give a positive impression. Don’t be afraid to make your front door a focal point of your showing.
#8 Open Curtains & Blinds to Let in Natural Lighting
When showing your home to potential buyers, maximizing light is key. Dark spaces tend to feel a lot less inviting and may give buyers a confined or unpleasant feeling. The more brightness and natural lighting you can bring into your home, the better!
#9 Make Sure Your Home Smells Fresh
Yes, it is important to make your home smell clean and fresh. However, you have to keep balance in mind.
You don’t want your home to smell like bleach, and you also want to avoid strong fragrances like cinnamon or vanilla candles, etc. (as some do not like such smells). To keep your home smelling clean without overdoing it, go for simple and light scents like fresh linen.
#10 Don’t Forget About the Garage
When potential buyers come into your home for a viewing, they need to see space and storage opportunities. If areas like your garage are left full and cluttered, they will appear much smaller and less useful than they actually are. Invest in a storage unit and make your home appear as spacious as possible.
#11 Repaint Necessary Areas
If you have a canary yellow bathroom and blue cabinets, you should consider repainting before listing. Abnormal color schemes can be very off-putting to buyers and make them think of the work and money they will have to put in to remedy the problem. To avoid this type of buyer deterrent, repaint dramatic colors in your home to reflect more neutral tones and appearances.
#12 Add a few Live Plants
Many studies have shown that live plants can help spaces feel more inviting, positive, and lively. Don’t be afraid to add a few house plants here and there (without overdoing it, of course).
#13 Address Pet Issues
If you have pets, be sure to rid your home of any foul smells, stains, or hair build-up. Although many people love pets, allergens and odors are never a strong selling point for a home.
#14 Add Minor Tech & Inexpensive Upgrades
Minor upgrades are a great way to improve your home’s overall appeal. A few simple changes that may be beneficial include:
- Upgrading your thermostat to a newer digital model.
- Replacing your old mailbox with something cleaner more appealing.
- Changing out old doorknobs and handles.
- Replacing a broken garage door.
# 15 Partner with an Experienced Realtor
Now that your home is ready to sell make sure you partner with an experienced realtor who knows how to get the biggest bang for your buck. You’ve worked hard getting your home ready for the right buyer, now all you need is the right realtor to bring them in and get you your return on investment.
At Key Realtors, we are ready to take that next step with you. We are confident in our ability to sell your home and help you enter the next chapter of your life with ease.
Give us a call today!