If you're a prospective home seller, here are five things you can do now to get ready for a spring sale.
Start packing
It may sound crazy to start packing months in advance of your move, but since you'll eventually need to do this anyway, you might as well get organized now. I'm not suggesting you pack up your kitchen and eat off paper plates, but you can sort through your storage closets, attic, basement or garage to determine what you want to keep, what to give away and what to sell. Boxing up items will make your space look larger and neater when it's time to show your home. You can also get an idea of whether you need to rent a storage facility while your home is on the market.
Clear away the clutter
If you visit model homes or open houses of homes that have been staged, you'll never see a stack of unread magazines, children's artwork loosely hanging on the refrigerator, or a cluster of unpaid bills on a table. While everyone has clutter, buyers want to see a fantasy version of your house, in which they can envision living. Once your home is on the market you'll need to keep it as neat as possible. One way to make that easier is to reduce the amount of clutter you have on your shelves and surfaces. Put away items that are regularly on your kitchen sink and pack away the family photos that gather dust.
Improve your home
While you don't necessarily want to do a major, expensive renovation project before you sell, you can make minor repairs and improvements that will make your home look fresher to buyers. Try things such as replacing the caulk and grout in your bathroom, updating old or rusted ceiling fans and light fixtures, and changing switch plates, doorknobs and other hardware for a clean and neat appearance. Consider painting your front door and trim even if your rooms don't need new paint.
Clean Clean Clean!
Wash Windows: Sparkle is free, and sparkle sells homes. A potential buyer may not realize why your home seems so inviting but will feel drawn to it if the windows are spotless and your mirrors reflect sunlight. Cleaning is the first step to preparing your home for sale.
Dust and Clean Blinds: Toss blinds into a soapy bathtub for a quick wash. Get rid of all accumulated dust and spider webs. Crisp linens and a spring-time breeze through the windows invites the season inside.
Launder Curtains: Take your window coverings to the dry cleaners or wash, dry and press.
Dust Baseboards: Dust off baseboards, especially in high traffic areas. If baseboards have not been cleaned recently, it might be necessary to spray them with a cleaning solution and wipe them with a cloth.
Clean Appliances: Remove grease and gunk from appliances. Microwaes and ovens should be cleaned both inside and out. Do not forget to clean the inside of the refrigerator and freezer, as well as organizing the contents of both.
Straighten Contents of Your Closets: Clean, straighten and organize your closets. A closet crammed full of items and clothing appears small to a home buyer. You want potential home owners to feel as if there is plenting of space for their belongings.
Interview real estate agents
Your choice of a listing agent will make a big difference in how quickly your home sells and how much of a profit you'll realize. A real estate agent with a great marketing plan and deep local knowledge is extremely important. Don't just go with the one who tells you they can sell for the highest price; choose someone who can present you with a detailed market analysis.
If you spend the winter months preparing for spring, you'll find yourself ready to move fast when buyers come out of hibernation!
Source: Miscellaneous
As usual, should you be interested in buying or selling a home, or for any further information regarding your home, please contact me, Karen Borden, your North Alabama Real Estate Professional!
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