Downsizing and moving is never an easy task, especially when you are leaving the home you’ve loved for so long. We’ve covered some tips on how to sort through your belongings and manage the stress of the ordeal in previous blogs. Now it’s time to consider how you can get your home ready to sell!
Tidy from Top to Bottom
The last thing a potential buyer wants to see is a dirty home. In fact, some real estate agents say that grit, grime, and odors can actually derail a home sale entirely.
Make sure everything in your home is clean and tidy. Wash your floors, kitchen counters, and cabinets; shampoo your carpets and eliminate any stains; and ensure your home is free of any odors to guarantee no one is deterred by your space.
Make Minor Repairs
A minor repair might seem like no big deal, but it can have a significant impact on the sale of your home. A broken window or a burnt-out lightbulb can cast doubt in the eyes of a potential buyer. They might ask themselves, “If they can’t fix this, what other issues are lurking beneath the surface?”
Start by patching cracks or holes in the ceiling or walls and fixing the leaky faucet you’ve been neglecting for months. These small improvements will help prevent any reduction in your home’s perceived value.
Clear the Clutter
When a buyer enters your home, they want to be able to see themselves living in it. That becomes fairly difficult when your family photos are displayed on the walls and your vacation trinkets are scattered around the room.
If you’ve already done some downsizing, you likely have fewer items lying around. Consider placing your favorite items in decorative boxes so that you can keep your trinkets without displaying them at all times.
Consider the Colors
You may still love the baby blue bathroom you installed in the 1960s, but a new couple might not appreciate it quite as much.
A coat of paint is an easy and instant change that makes a world of difference for your home’s sale, so consider a neutral color to appeal to the widest range of buyers. That way, they can focus on the structure and features of the home without being distracted by the maroon accent wall.
Invite Them In
You want to make your property feel like home, and that starts with a welcoming entrance. We don’t mean that you should be present to invite them in, but your house should speak for itself through its decor.
Consider adding a splash of color to the front door and be sure to keep the front lawn and patio tidy to make a good first impression. For an added bonus, set out a charming welcome mat so that potential buyers know they are more than welcome in your home.
Saying goodbye to your home isn’t easy, but these top 5 tips can help ease the process. Once it’s all said and done and your home is sold, be sure to consider any one of our lovely communities for the next chapter in your life.
