Preparing your home for sale is a major undertaking. You may think that you have to make it perfect, but that’s not the case. In fact, you want your home to look lived in; it shows potential buyers that they can also live there if they buy it. The biggest mistake that sellers make is trying to make their homes look brand new.
But there are some things potential buyers notice right away — things like dirty carpeting, cracked tile or missing light bulbs — that can turn them off or make them wonder whether they’re getting a good deal on the house.
Here are some essential tips for preparing your home for sale:
Update old appliances and fixtures
- Replace old appliances. If you have a washer or dryer, consider replacing them with new ones. If the dishwasher is older than 15 years, it may be time to invest in a new one as well.
- Replace old fixtures. Old light fixtures and faucets can make any room look dated–so replace any outdated ones before putting your home on the market!
- Replace toilets, sinks and tubs if possible (and necessary). These items are often replaced when people buy new homes anyway; so if yours needs work done now’s the time!
- Consider replacing showers with walk-in baths if possible since they’re becoming more popular among buyers these days.
Remove clutter from your cabinets, closets and drawers
For the best possible representation of your home, it’s important that you remove all items from cabinets, drawers and closets. This also applies to any storage areas like attic spaces or garages.
The next step is to sort through your possessions and discard any that are broken or not in good condition. If you have items that can be reused by others (such as clothing), consider donating them or recycling them at a local charity store. In addition, taking pictures of the empty space will help buyers envision how much room they’ll have after purchasing the house–and it gives them an idea of what kinds of renovations could be done if desired!
Repair any damage to the flooring and carpets
Repairing flooring and carpets is a big expense, but it’s also a great investment. If you’re planning to sell your home, then you should take the time to repair any damage to the flooring and carpets so that buyers can see what their potential new home looks like in its best light. The cost of repairs will more than likely be covered by the increase in value of your home–and if they aren’t covered entirely, there’s always room for negotiation!
Don’t let your home be a health hazard
Depending on the age and condition of your property, there may be mold or mildew present in certain areas like bathrooms or attics. These can be dangerous for people who suffer from allergies or asthma (and even those who don’t). If you find any signs that mold may be growing somewhere in your house–whether it’s visible or not–have it removed immediately by professionals trained in cleaning up such problems before putting any potential buyers through an inspection process where they discover something like this.
Declutter your home
Decluttering your home can be a challenge, especially if you have a lot of stuff. But it’s an important step in preparing your home for sale.
- Declutter the garage and attic. Remove items that don’t belong there and clear out as much space as possible by storing them elsewhere in the house or donating them to charity.
- Declutter closets, basements, and kitchens too! You might be surprised how much clutter builds up over time–especially when it comes to kitchen appliances like coffee makers or blenders (which rarely get used).
- When you’re cleaning your house this thoroughly to make a positive impression, it’s best to hire professionals like Simply Spotless Cleaning. This will ensure that your home is sparkling clean and tidy.
Make it look like new
The first thing potential buyers notice when they walk through your door is how clean everything looks. If there are dirty counters, scuffed walls and torn upholstery, you’re going to lose them right away! Take this opportunity to replace any outdated or damaged items with brand new ones that will impress potential buyers. If you don’t have the budget for new furniture, consider renting some instead of buying used items from Craigslist or eBay at garage sales because they aren’t always in good shape and can be expensive if they’re not fully functional anymore.
So, get started today on preparing your home for sale. You’ll be glad you did when it comes time to sell!
