Ready to take the leap and sell your house? From online listings to open houses, you want potential buyers to feel at home from the moment they lay eyes on your property. But where do you begin? Follow these tips to make your home shine before it hits the market.
A lot of studies have been done by real estate companies recently on what color front door fetches the highest price on the market. Some sources say to steer away from bold choices, opting for more classic colors like white, brown, or navy. It’s important to take into account the style of your home, what climate you live in, and the other houses in the neighborhood. For example, blue may be appealing if you live in a coastal area.
While it may seem like a small detail, this relatively affordable update can have a large impact on curb appeal and set the tone for the rest of the house.
Start by removing anything in your yard that does not need to be there. Leaves, dying plants, and other clutter can be distracting. Maintain your landscaping and consider adding additional curb appeal by bringing in some bright plants.
Second to your front door, take a look at your garage doors. Do they need paint, or to be replaced? Does the exterior of your home need power washing? If you have a front porch, be sure it is clear of clutter.
When you are beginning to declutter the inside of your home, it can be an easy fix to move everything to inside your closets. However, this tactic may make your home look smaller to buyers. One of the things they may be looking for in a new home is plenty of storage space, which means opening and checking out closets.
When it comes to closets, keep only what is absolutely necessary inside, and opt for other storage solutions.
While you may currently be using the shelves in your home, preparing your home to sell is all about depersonalizing the space so a buyer can imagine themselves living in the space. When it comes to bookshelves, less really is more. Pack away a majority of your books and other items on shelves, and trade for simple décor.
Buyers are going to be curious about all areas of your home. This is why making sure that cabinets, drawers, closets, and all areas of your home are clean.
Another area to pay attention to is how your home smells. If you have lived with a smell for a long period of time, you may have gotten so used to it that you don’t pick up on it anymore. Ask for someone who does not live in your household if there are any odors you may not be picking up on. Try to get to the source of the odor and not just cover it up with other scents.
Start with deep cleaning in the bathroom, then stage it for success. If you are still living in the home, keep only what you absolutely need in the cabinets. Consider changing out towels for an easy, tidy update. The counter should contain no clutter. If it makes sense, add a plant for a pop of green.
Paint scuffs, blown lightbulbs, and loose doorknobs can all seem small and insignificant, especially when we walk past them every day. However, seeing something neglected or broken inside a home can shift a potential buyer’s mindset to look for more things in the home that might need to be repaired. Paying attention even to the small things can show potential buyers your home is well maintained.
Home renovations, especially in areas like the kitchen, can add up fast. Instead, when preparing your home to sell make a list of small improvements you can make in rooms. This could be updating a lighting fixture to a more modern one, adding a fresh coat of paint, or swapping drawer pulls.
You may have antiques, art, or other precious items decorating your home. Be sure these are stored in a safe place well in advance of any showings or open houses.
Home stagers typically have experience with the local market and what it takes to catch the eye of a potential home buyer. They may rearrange décor you already have, or suggest you rent pieces that may accent your home better.
Even if you don’t hire a professional stager, consider small tweaks that can really make your home feel inviting when preparing your home to sell. Fresh floral arrangements can do wonders for a room, as can a well-placed throw blanket. Focus on having mostly neutral colors throughout the home or a limited color palette that feels cohesive.
Be sure you are using light to your full advantage to truly highlight features of your home. For showings, open blinds and curtains. If a room feels dark, consider bringing in more lighting. Lamps with warm lighting can help feel spaces like bedrooms and reading nooks feel cozier.
Speaking of cozy, make sure the thermostat is set to a comfortable level for showings and open houses, especially if you are no longer staying at the property and are keeping it on the cooler side. If you have electric fireplaces in the home, using them can create instant ambiance.
When you are thinking about buying a house in this day and age, call your insurance agent before anyone else. Let us help you understand what your options could look like. For example, if the house has suffered losses, it might be uninsurable or difficult to insure. Or if the house is located in a flood zone, your options will likely be very limited.
Capacity is extremely limited for very specific risks, which is why we implore our customers new and old to call us in advance to discuss their plans. By contacting us early in the process, we can provide you with information about what insurance options might be available for the property that you are interested in. We have wonderful insurance carrier partners and access to most excess and surplus solutions, and we want to help you enjoy that dream house!
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