Where to start?
When you start to consider selling your home, you may not even know where to start! Finding a good realtor is part of it, but there is more! You will have gear up to have a steady flow of viewers; potential buyers and realtors from every agency looking at and showing your home. Getting your home show ready is our number one step in the process of selling. But with my help, we can knock a bunch of to-dos’ off your list so that the selling process becomes a lot easier.
Clean
One of the first things you are going to want to do to get your home show ready, is to clean, Clean, clean.! We are talking about cleaning EVERYTHING from the walls to the bases of the toilets, maybe even the vents. Things like stains on the carpet from your pet or kiddo will be the first thing a potential buyer spots on their tour of your home. If you must, rent a Rug Doctor and steamer and shampoo the carpets. Really get the linoleum in your kitchen to gleam. Make that wood shine with a fresh new treatment. It is super important that when a potential buyer walks into your home, it is clean. Buyers pay attention to these things, and that smudge of dirt above your light switch can leave a lasting impression.
Tip: Try having a family friend or close relative who doesn’t frequent the home often, or even your favorite realtor (uhhemm) take a glance around your home and pick out some key areas you should touch up on.
Scent-ify
If you are anything like me, one of the first things you notice when you walk in to anywhere… is the way it smells. Making sure your home has a pleasant aroma throughout is key. Have you ever wondered why realtors will bake something, like cookies, at an open house? It is to entice buyers, and leave a warm, welcoming smell in your memory about the home you just saw. No, I am not suggesting that you bake a batch of cookies every time we show your house to potential buyers! I am just advising that you refrain from smoking in the home, keep the main rooms smelling pleasant, maybe light a few candles.
Declutter
You are going to want to declutter your home before listing it with an agent. I have learned through my years of experience as a realtor that it is hard to sell a home that is overflowing with the owner/sellers personal belongings. When someone asks to see your home, they are trying to see if their lives would fit into it. If all they can see is all that you own, your home is less-likely to sell.
Fixing Up What Must be Fixed
Doing little things like repairing nail holes in walls and touching up some minor paint chips would do a lot to help a home sell. That is the easy part. But if you have more serious issues, like leaking pipes or fixtures, you are going to want to get those things fixed up. This is something that would negatively impact the sale of your home and would be taken from your final pay out.
Curb Appeal
You already know what I am about to say here, even if you don’t know that you know! The way your home looks from the outside sells! We want clean yards, free of any debris or clutter. You are going to want to keep your lawn well-manicured, and this includes keeping walkways free of snow and ice!
(oh… my favorite part)
Finding a Realtor
Selling your home on your own can be frustrating and time consuming. Hire a realtor to help you take the load off. Look for someone who tries to make the experience as easy as possible for you, because in the end, it’s our job to show your place off!
Most Importantly! Have a good time with this! You’re heading into a new direction in life, and selling your current home is a major step, but a fun one!
Give me a call or shoot me an email if you need help in listing your home, or if you are in the market for a new one.
