Most Home Buyers are looking for a home that is a turn-key home, ready to be moved into and they will pay more for a move in ready home that needs little to no repairs and is in excellent condition. Home buyers often wonder how long they will have to replace or repair something such as a major appliance. Therefore, if you are selling your home, getting your home in tip top shape will often yield higher dollar offers. There are many things you can do to prepare your home to be sold. Here are some top 10 Tips to prepare your home to be sold:
1. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter
As early as a few months or a year before you sell your house start purging the house of clutter. A tidy house presents well in listing photos and in person and entices buyers to make a strong offer. Failing to declutter hinders a seller from making a successful sale of their home. Hire an organizer to help or get a short term storage unit.
- _____ Clear countertops, desks, nightstands, bureaus tops and items on the floor
- _____ Pare down items on open shelving, fireplace mantels, floating shelves and walls
- _____ Pack away small appliances
- _____ Clear out and reduce old pantry and refrigerator items
- _____ Reduce garage, basement, and closets items
2. Consider a Pre-sale Inspection
Even if you are familiar with your home repairs, there may be issues you may not have considered. Rather than be surprised by the buyer's inspection items list, consider doing a Pre-Sale Inspection so you know exactly what kind of repairs you may be on the hook for and to get a list of repairs, that you could potentially knock off the list prior to listing the home for sale. A home inspection will run anywhere between $500-$1,000 depending on the home's size and local market. The inspection can give you peace of mind and a short list of items that you can repair prior to listing the home for sale.
3. Upgrade Fixtures & Minor Remodeling
Complete minor updates to make a home feel new and fresh such as:
- ___ Replace outdated faucets, lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, and cabinet hardware
- ___ Re-stain or Refinish old hardwood flooring
- ___ Steam clean carpets or consider replacing the flooring
- ___ Remove wall paper and paint walls and cabinets with fresh neutral shades
4. Repair Damaged or Broken Items
Repair neglected, damaged or broken items. Talk to your realtor about taking care of major repairs. Be sure everything is in working order when Buyers come to see your home.
- ____ Service the HVAC
- ____ Make Sure Major Appliances are in good working condition or replace them.
- ____ Make sure windows open and close
- ____ Patch holes in the drywall
- ____ Replace burned out light bulbs
- ____ Fix and repair any water leaks or running toilets
5. Paint Neutral Colors Or Use a Modern Palette
- ____ Paint walls and cabinets using a neutral color or modern color palette
6. Remove All Personal Items
Buyers will want to envision themselves in your home, it will be easier to do so if they don't see your personal photographs and memorbilia around the house.
- ___ Remove personal items such as photographs and memorabilia
- ___ Put in safekeeping medication, jewelry and other items of value.
7. Deep Clean Forgotten Areas
Deep clean your home for the best results. This will also help you ready yourself to do light duty, spruce up cleaning when it comes time to show your home.
- ____ Vaccuum and Wipe down baseboards, doors, and interior doors and cabinets
- ____ Wipe down light fixtures and light bulbs or change out light bulbs
- ____ Clean under appliances
- ____ Wipe down ceiling fans
- ____ Deep clean the bathrooms, kitchen, and utility room
8. Gather Repair and Renovation Records
Gather any information about your home's repairs and renovation. Your agent will need this information when they are marketing the features of the property.
9. Boost Your Curb Appeal
- ____ Consider hiring lawn professionals to service your lawn or do it yourself.
- ____ Trim bushes and branches so they don’t block windows or architectural details.
- ____ Set a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch or front walkway.
- ____ Install new, matching locks and knobs on your front door.
- ____ Repair any cracks or holes in the driveway, and clean oil spots with degreaser and a steel brush.
- ____ Edge the grass around walkways and trees.
- ____ Stow your garden tools and hoses out of sight, and clear kids’ toys from the lawn.
- ____ Buy a new mailbox.
- ____ Upgrade your outdoor lighting.
- ____ Purchase a new doormat for outside your front door.
- ____ Clean your windows, inside and out.
- ____ Polish or replace your house numbers.
- ____ Mow your lawn. Also, turning on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing will make
the whole yard sparkle. - ____ Place a seasonal wreath on your door
10. Get a Title Report
Consider getting a preliminary title report. This is a summary document that tells you if there's any liens or other title issues prior to putting your house on the market. Some liens could be unpaid property taxes, Unpaid HOA fees, child support, unpaid lenders, or other reasons. Since title issues can take a while to resolve, getting a preliminary title report can help you start to address any title issues so that you can deliver a clean title to the potential buyer.
