So, you’ve decided you are ready to sell your home and are wondering what’s next. First, find a Savvy + Co. Real Estate agent who can expertly guide you through the process. These agents really know the area and what buyers are looking for which means top dollar for your abode without it spending endless months on the market.
Now it’s time to get your home in prime selling condition. In a hot real estate market, most buyers are looking for move-in ready homes where all they have to do is pack their things, schedule the moving van and walk through the front door.
Below are some budget-friendly ideas to get your home looking its best. Not sure where to start? Contact a Savvy + Co. Real Estate agent who can point you in the right direction.
1. Declutter, declutter, declutter
Channel your inner Marie Kondo and begin decluttering your home and storage spaces as soon as you start thinking about selling. Take one room at a time and sort items into three piles – a donation pile, a keep pile and items to be boxed and taken to storage until the big move. Enlist help from friends, family, or your real estate agent who can offer encouragement and keep the process moving.
Also remember to pack personal photos and keepsakes. When buyers tour your home, they want to envision how their life (and their stuff) will work in the new space. Plus when you pack, donate and store, you are that much closer to being ready to move. Win!
2. Paint
A fresh coat of paint can easily update and refresh an entire space! Stick with neutral colors and, if you aren’t confident in your painting skills, hire a reputable company who can get the job done quickly with minimal inconvenience. Consult your Savvy + Co. Real Estate agent about which colors buyers find most appealing to get the biggest bang for your buck.
3. Bathroom and bedroom updates
Forget about tearing out walls or replacing shower tile, adding a colorful shower curtain, updated light fixtures, and new rug and towel set will have your bathroom looking great. Consider replacing hardware like knobs and pulls to finish the look.
For a bedroom refresh, purchase a new comforter and accent pillows and remove any large furniture that isn’t absolutely necessary to make the room look larger.
4. Curb appeal
The outside of your home is the first thing buyers see when they pull up, so make it stand out. If you have a full yard, take time to seed, aerate, spruce up natural areas, add lighting and plant flowers to be ready by show time. You might also want to consider hiring a lawn service to get your outside area in top condition. It is well worth the time and potential return on investment.
Remember to clean or replace older outdoor furniture and paint the front door. Make buyers smile with colorful potted plants and a welcoming sitting area if space allows.
5. “Honey-do” list
Tackle the honey-do list and change out lightbulbs and air filters, have the gutters cleaned, replace old switchplates and blinds, put batteries in the smoke detectors and complete any regular home maintenance chores before you list your home. Also be sure to complete any large remodeling projects before the showings start.
6. Clean up
If you don’t have time to do any of the above, a clean home goes a long way. Set aside a weekend or hire a cleaning service to make your home shine from the baseboards to behind the refrigerator and everywhere in between. Plus a good clean will have your home smelling wonderful. Don’t forget that curb appeal too – nothing makes your house look fresher than a clean driveway and sidewalk! Call a soft pressure washing company like Foam Home to get rid of the mold, dirt, grim and pollen that may be building up on your home. Regular exterior cleaning with low-pressure washing can help preserve your exterior paint, saving you time and money.
Small things can make a big difference – especially when it comes to impressing would-be buyers. Now that your home is in prime condition, contact a Savvy + Co. Real Estate agent who will be happy to help – including helping you find your next new home!
