8 Steps for Preparing to Sell Your Home
As a homeowner, you play an important role in the timely and successful sale of your property. Here are some important steps to take when preparing your home and property to maximize your profits and sell quickly. Below I will go into more detail about each subject. As always - contact me anytime for one-on-one assistance. I enjoy helping people maximize real estate investments and profits every step of the way!
Want to Profit?
Declutter countertops, drawers, cupboards & closets.
Here is a quick summary, with more details below. Let’s talk about how these suggestions relate to your home!
Meet with your Realtor for a “Market Ready Walk-Through” and make a plan to complete projects and staging to show your home at it’s best! (If you don’t already have a trusted Realtor, this is an opportunity to gather information and opinions while you interview Realtors.)
Improve the property’s first impression / curb appeal
Complete any minor repairs that will help sell the home
Consider renting a storage unit or storing items with a friend or neighbor
Declutter, depersonalize, pack at least 1/2 to 1/3 of your belongings
Clean like you have never cleaned before - Consider hiring cleaners for a top to bottom cleaning - it will be the best money spent!
Paint - If walls are too dirty to be cleaned or unusual colors - paint them neutral colors to appeal to more people.
Stage it -
Occupied homes - If furniture pieces are too large or not showing the space well, consider renting a few pieces and store larger or extra items. Go ahead and buy yourself a few new towels and other things you can enjoy at your next home to help show your home in it’s best light.
Vacant homes - There are many options and ways I can help you with staging. Let’s talk about it!
Here is more detail for each step:
Meet with your Realtor for a “Market Ready Walk-Through” and make a plan to complete projects and staging to show your home at it’s best! (If you don’t already have a trusted Realtor, this is an opportunity to gather information and opinions while you interview Realtors.)
Have your list of questions ready when you meet with your Realtor for a market ready walk-through.
Start the process early - at least 3 months. I am happy to meet with clients a year before listing or more to help with planning and preparations.
Improve the property’s first impression / curb appeal
Landscape to the max! Mow, edge, prune, plant colorful flowers, add fresh bark
Clean the gutters, windows, & screens. Consider using a “home wash” hose attachment to gently clean siding. How does the roof look? Best time of year to clean a roof is during summer - so if you can - plan ahead.
Pressure wash sidewalks, patios, & driveways
Remove any extraneous items from the yard - including decorations and personal items - stage it!
Consider upgrading house numbers, exterior fixture, front door paint, & welcome mat
Complete any minor repairs that will help sell the home
Apply fresh caulk to seal around windows, tubs, showers, and sinks.
Look around and make a list. Do you have any started but not completed projects? Buyers will pay more for a “move-in-ready” home.
If you want to spruce up the kitchen on a budget - consider upgrading appliances, knobs, faucet, and light fixtures. These upgrades make a big impact without breaking the bank.
Consider renting a storage unit or storing items with a friend or neighbor
Remove everything you don’t use regularly to help declutter the home and best show the space. Plan ahead and allow plenty of time to research storage options, packing, and moving. I have tips and contacts to share if you are interested - just ask me!
Pro Tip - Consider a portable storage unit so it can easily be transported to your new home when you move in.
Declutter, depersonalize, and pack at least 1/2 to 1/3 of your belongings
Serious home buyers will need to see all the space they are considering buying - that includes closets, cupboards, drawers, the basement, the shed… basically every part of the property that will be included in the sale.
Clear the kitchen and bathroom counters. Leave only a few key items.
Remove all personal photos, heirlooms, & memorabilia. This will help keep buyers focused on the details of the home. Interested buyers will start envisioning themselves living in the home. As a seller, this step may also help to prepare you emotionally for the sale. Keep your eye on the prize now - a quick sale at top dollar.
Lock up or remove items that may be targeted for theft such as: prescription medication, art, credit card receipts, jewelry, and anything of value to you.
Just think of the head start you will be getting for the impending move!
Clean like you have never cleaned before
Pro Tip - Consider hiring cleaners for a top to bottom cleaning - it will be the best money spent!
Just think, you will need to clean for the move anyway. Take the time and do it now. Making your home sparkle will entice buyers and save you stress down later on in the process.
Paint
If walls are too dirty to be cleaned or unusual colors - paint them neutral colors to appeal to more people.
Do exterior trim & soffits need paint?
If you have a garage or basement - paint the floor and walls. (There is special paint intended for garage & basement floors.)
Stage it - If furniture pieces are too large or not showing the space well, consider renting a few pieces and store larger or extra items. Go ahead and buy yourself a few new towels and other things you can enjoy at your next home to help show your home in it’s best light.
Consider hiring a professional staging company to consult or bring in some additional pieces.
There are also staging companies that will rent out individual items. I have lots of options to share with you - just ask me!
Look at your home with fresh eyes and rearrange furniture to best show the space rather than your own functionality. Your Realtor will be a key advisor to help you know what buyers will like or not like.
Buyers like light and bright. Plan to have all the curtains open as much as possible. Remove any broken blinds. Make sure to use bright lighting and plenty of it throughout the home. Plan to leave the lights on for the first week. Showing the home in it’s best light will help you get it sold quickly.
I hope this summary is helpful. There are many steps to selling a home - but this is a start while you are preparing. I offer complimentary Market Ready Walk-Throughs and CMA (Current Market Analysis) with no obligation. In addition to providing essential reports and data to help you determine your listing price, I will prepare a list of projects and preparations specific for your property. I am available to help advise you throughout your ownership, particularly during the 3-6 months before you sell, to best help you maximize your profit and reduce your stress.
(Feel free to contact me now via phone, text, or email during this phase for personal assistance.) - Jennifer
Looking for more info - go back to Jen’s Realty Website.
Jennifer Suemnicht - Jen’s Realty - RE/MAX Metro Realty, Inc.
www.JensRealty / 206-550-1676 / jen@jensrealty.com
