10 Things every Seller should do Before Selling their House
Are you thinking of selling your house? Then it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Here are the top 10 items you should do before listing your home for sale.
Do your Research
Whether you enjoy research or not, if you're considering selling your home, you've got to do it. After all, you'll want to know what the value of your home is! To do that, take a look at the local housing market. Focus on your neighbourhoods and homes that are similar to yours. That is the best way to get an idea of what price you can list your home.
Deep Clean your Home
A deep clean might be a more dreaded task than research, but it still has to be done. The deep clean is more than just a weekly clean; it's even more than homeowners consider a spring clean. It's a get-down, toothbrush-to-the-grout kind of cleaning job. There are cleaning companies which will specialize in this kind of cleaning. So if cleaning isn't your favourite activity, or if you don't have the time, call the professionals.
Declutter your Home
While someone else is cleaning (or even if you've decided to tackle the task), you must also schedule a time to declutter. Be sure not to overdo the job by removing everything before a showing. Your real estate agent will be able to help you find the balance between too much and too little.
Small Repairs on your Home
You may notice broken items that need repairing as you clean and declutter. Such issues may include squeaky floors and doors, cracks in the wall, leaks, and rips in the carpet. Of course, that is a partial list, but it's a place to start! If you can't do it yourself, find a trusted professional who can work within the timeline you need and within the budget you've set out. Repairs are not something to skip; potential buyers will have an eagle eye as they walk through your home, and they'll find everything.
Paint your Home Neutral Colours
That accent wall you love might be the worst thing ever to a potential buyer, so it's time to paint over it with neutral colours. Colours like white, light greys, or light beiges will make the home seem bigger and brighter. Neutral colours will also allow prospective buyers to see the potential of adding their personality and style to the house as opposed to them trying to fit within your personality.
Stage your Home
Your real estate agent will be able to help stage the home, or they'll have a professional stager in their network to help. A staged home is essential as it will highlight the house's best features and minimize what isn't.
Get Professional Pictures
Prospective buyers look online before deciding what home they want to view, and professional photos will make your home the first one they want to see. Like an experienced stager, a professional real estate photographer can highlight the best parts of the house. Make sure to hire a REALTOR® that will invest in having professional photos taken of your home.
Rent Storage
As you declutter, consider renting a storage unit for a few months to store the items you want to keep safe but don't want out on display during viewings. Storage rental also means you can start packing up early and remove out-of-season clothes, sports equipment, Christmas decorations and more.
Depersonalize
Sellers are providing a fantasy to prospective buyers. They want to show them what the house could look like if they were to buy it and live in it. If there's less of the seller's personal life on the walls and on the fridge, it's easier for the potential buyer to see themselves in the home.
These are the first nine items a home seller should do before listing their home for sale. They will help make the process easier and make the home much more attractive to potential buyers, which will help result in a faster sale. Now for number ten -- TIME TO FIND A REALTOR®!
Find the BEST REALTOR®
Find the best real estate agent who is familiar with the neighbourhood, has excellent reviews and is excited about working with you to sell your home. They will be familiar with the real estate market and will be able to supplement the initial research that you've already done. A real estate agent can also manage expectations and give a clear timeline with which to approach everything.
