10 Tips To Sell Your Home
Thinking of selling your home? First impressions can make the difference in attracting prospective buyers. Many buyers make decisions based on emotion. To appeal to emotions, and make a positive first impression with prospective buyers, it is important to present your home at its best.
Here are 10 tips to help your home stand out in the real estate market:
1. Have your home inspected by a professional
Hire a home inspector to help you identify problems that need correcting and that might turn away potential buyers.
2. Get replacement estimates for repairs not yet made
Help potential buyers understand how much it might cost to make necessary repairs you are unable or unwilling to make on the house.
3. Get out the toolbox
No need to completely remodel the bathroom, but make certain you fix the leaky faucet. Consider an inspection to identify potential problems to correct before they turn away prospects. Making small repairs to sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulk or chipped paint can create a better appearance, without breaking your budget. Install new hardware on kitchen cupboards or worn door handles to update the look.
4. Create curb appeal
First impressions begin once people set their eyes on your home’s exterior view. Start by pulling out your gardening gloves and clean up the landscaping. Keep the lawn tidy, trim hedges, pull weeds, clear out leaves and debris, and plant colourful flowers.
You can also enhance curb appeal by:
- Investing in some exterior paint to freshen up your home’s exterior.
- Creating an inviting entryway with a new welcome mat outside your front door.
- Adding a bold new entry door or storm door from Pella.
5. Clear out the clutter
Your goal is to make your home look as big as possible. For most people, that means packing up anything you can live without in the short term, like out-of-season clothes, toys, and hobby items. Clear off clutter from countertops. A good rule of thumb is to put at least one-third of your furniture into storage. Finally, organize closets keeping personal items out of sight, like family photos and collectibles.
6. Do a thorough cleaning
If it’s within your budget, hire professionals to thoroughly clean your home, inside and out. Cleanliness makes a strong first impression. If you’re cleaning yourself, remember these hot spots:
- Wash windows and leave them open awhile to air out your rooms.
- Clean carpeting, curtains and drapes to get rid of cooking and pet odors.
- Wash light fixtures, walls and baseboards.
- Mop and wax floors.
- Wash fingertips from light switch plates, doorknobs, cupboard doors and appliances.
- Clean inside cabinets.
- Organize and clean your garage.
7. Dig out warranties, guarantees and user manuals
Organize the paperwork the new buyer might find useful, including warranties for appliances or other items you expect to remain in the home, service orders for major repairs/improvements you’ve made, user manuals, service guarantees and other documents that will make it easier for the new buyer.
8. Highlight energy-efficient upgrades and appliances
In a 2013 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey, home buyers said they most wanted energy-saving features. Include ENERGY STAR-certified features, like energy-saving windows, doors and appliances in your home’s listing.
9. Set the stage
To prepare for an open house or showing, add final touches to make your home memorable. Appeal to the sense of scent by using scented candles or light air fresheners, or simmer cinnamon sticks and orange slices in a pan of water on the stove before prospective buyers arrive. Focus on the details, like putting flowers near the entry, or leaving freshly-baked cookies on the table to make your home feel more welcoming.
10. Use online tools
If you don’t know where to start, look to online home improvement resources. If you’re looking to update your windows or doors before you sell, Pella provides handy online design tools to help you with the window and door replacement process.
Courtesy: Homeservice Club