Selling Your Home Quickly and Easily
Selling your home is an exciting yet daunting task. To move quickly in today’s market, you must appeal to the buyer’s unique needs. People look for properties with character and the ability to step right in. Very few want to tackle a renovation project. Did you know that even outdated carpeting could be enough to turn your potential buyer away? Here are seven things you need to do before you put your home on the market.
1. Clean Up The Clutter
To showcase the full potential of your space, you need to remove clutter. Junk piles on the outside and inside can be a roadblock for those trying to imagine how they would arrange their furniture. Plus, if they think that you haven’t kept the space in good repair, they may wonder what is lurking behind that mess.
2. De-Personalize the Space
Your family photos are priceless. However, to another family, they may make the home feel like it belongs to someone else. If you want to sell your home, you want potential buyers to walk through your doors and envision themselves relaxing and making memories. It may be hard for them to do if the reminders of your family are all around. Pack up all the artwork hanging on the refrigerator and on the walls, as well as any items that are personal to your family.
3. Update Light Fixtures
Replacing light fixtures are an inexpensive fix to an outdated space. However, if you have a gold chandelier hanging in the living room, it may send the message that you haven’t updated things in a while. You want your buyer to feel that the list of repairs isn’t too vast. Light fixtures are one of those little touches that have a significant impact. Spend the couple hundred bucks and update them throughout the home.
4. Rip Up Old, Dated Carpets
Old, stained carpets are a big distraction for today’s buyer since the vast majority want hardwood floors. These types of floors are easy to take care of and don’t stain. Carpets harbor dust, odors, and pet dander. If you want to sell your home, and you don’t have the money to put in hardwood floors in your common areas, then at least put in laminate or tile. Surfaces that are easy to clean and that don’t require a remodel will attract more buyers.
5. Update The Kitchen
You’ve heard it said a million times that kitchens sell homes. Every seller won’t have the funds to rehab the space. However, there are some simple fixes that you can do for nearly nothing. Start by putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Next, paint and update the hardware on the cabinets. Last, replace the appliances with modern, stainless steel ones. Even if you buy second-hand appliances, having an up-to-date look may put the odds in your favor.
6. Freshen Up The Bathroom
While the kitchen is the first area of the home that helps you to sell your home, the bathroom is the second. Again, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a significant impact. Try replacing the fixtures with steel or nickel. Next, paint the walls a nice neutral color that appeals to the most everyone. Update the light fixtures and put in a new vanity if necessary. Capitalize on the space. Make sure that your paint choice is light and airy and not dark and restricting.
7. Paint The Walls
Sure, those red walls in your living room may be the latest trend in home decorating, but not everyone will like the color. Try painting your communal areas neutral gray or tan tones. Buyers will keep a running total in their head of all the things that need to be done, and painting is one thing that is a big hassle.
Selling your home is a much easier process if you take these steps to make it more appealing to buyers. Walk through your home with buyers eyes and make adjustments accordingly. Keep in mind that oversized furniture, extensive artwork, and other space-hogging items can take away from the size of a space.
Hub City Home Inspections offers inspection services to South Mississippi including pre-listing inspections for home sellers. Whether you are selling your home or buying a home, contact us to schedule an appointment!