1. Create an Inviting First Impression
Your home’s curb appeal sets the stage for a successful sale. Ensure that your property makes a striking first impression by maintaining a well-groomed lawn, refreshing flower beds, keeping sidewalks clear, and ensuring your front porch welcomes visitors. Fix any visible issues because if potential buyers aren’t impressed from the outside, they may not bother to step inside.
2. Embrace the Power of Cleanliness
It might sound like a no-brainer, but cleanliness is paramount when selling your home. A sparkling clean house signals that it’s been well-maintained. Be prepared to give your home a meticulous inspection because buyers are on the lookout for a spotless environment. Don’t assume that buyers who can overlook messiness are considering your property; assume they’re on vacation or elsewhere in the market.
3. Keep Decor Neutral and Minimal
To appeal to a broad range of potential buyers, it’s best to keep your decor neutral and avoid excessive personal touches. Remove any collections or decor items that could distract or confuse buyers. Remember that buyers should be able to envision their own belongings and style in your home. Each room should clearly represent its intended purpose, so your dining room should look like a dining room, and your office should resemble a functional workspace.
For the record, you don’t have to strip your home of personal items entirely when selling it.
4. Minimize Pet Presence
While you may adore your pets, their presence can be a turn-off to potential buyers. Even if they have pets themselves, buyers don’t want to deal with pet odors, stains, or damage. Noisy pets or nervous animals can also deter buyers. The rule of thumb here is that the fewer buyers see your pets, the better. Make your pets and their belongings scarce before each showing.
5. Declutter Every Space
Decluttering your entire home before listing it for sale cannot be emphasized enough. Make sure every room, cabinet, and closet looks as spacious and organized as possible. This will help buyers imagine their own belongings in those spaces. Go through each room, cabinet, and closet and remove items you no longer need or won’t need before your move.
6. Don’t Sweat the Garage
Though we’ve stressed the importance of decluttering, the garage is a different story. Some people, like my own husband, may struggle with a tendency to hoard. However, the state of your garage doesn’t usually make or break a sale. Most buyers don’t focus on it because it’s often overwhelming and viewed as an untidy outdoor area. Concentrate your efforts on enhancing curb appeal and the interior of your home. Don’t invest too much time in the garage, as there are more critical aspects to address when preparing your home for sale.
