Reasons to sell your home are widespread, from a job transfer to downsizing, upsizing to getting closer to family. Whatever the reason, the common thread is being overwhelmed with the prospect of preparing your home. There are steps you can take to ease some of the anxiety and stress and really make your home shine.
Before you start anything (and I mean anything), talk to your Realtor. They know the neighborhood, what appeals to buyers and what doesn't. You don't want to waste time, energy and money on items that don't improve appeal or cost you more than the return on your investment.
Consult with a reputable stager. Ask your Realtor for a referral or visit homes that are on the market...many have brochures from the staging company (this can also help you see what a well-prepared home looks like). A stager can suggest paint colors if needed, what furniture to store, what furniture to move, etc..
After these two consultations, your preparation will be meaningful without wasted effort. Here are a few more things to keep in mind:
- Less is more. The stager will advise you but here are some ideas: Eliminate half of the shelving memorabilia. Remove family photos. Remove large furniture.
- Paint is the least expensive project you can undertake with the most return. Buyers love fresh, light colored walls. They can envision their furniture in the home.
- Take a look at your light fixtures. This is another easy and inexpensive fix. Your big box hardware stores have a great selection at very reasonable prices. This can really update your home!
- Carpet that is worn or stained should be, at the very least cleaned. If it has retained an odor, it should be replaced. You should replace it with a medium grade carpet.
That's it! Oftentimes your Realtor will arrange for all of this, so it is a matter of setting a budget and allowing them to do the work for you. Good luck!
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