Get the most for your home with these simple preparations.
To be honest, in today’s market virtually any home will sell if priced to market conditions due to a lack of inventory. But from experience, we know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, what they can't see has probably also been maintained. In readying your house for sale, consider: how much should you spend, exterior and curb appeal and preparing the interior.
How much should you spend?
In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand-new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive "polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen.
1. Enhance Curb Appeal:
- Clean up the exterior: Power wash the siding, clean windows, and ensure the driveway and walkways are free of debris.
- Add colorful flowers and plants: Planting flowers or placing potted plants near the entrance can create an inviting atmosphere.
- Repaint if necessary: A fresh coat of paint on the front door and trim can make a significant impact on the overall curb appeal.
2. Declutter and Depersonalize:
- Clear out excess belongings: Remove personal items, unnecessary furniture, and clutter to make rooms appear larger and more appealing.
- Neutralize decor: Paint walls in neutral tones, as it allows potential buyers to envision their own style in the space. If repainting is not in the budget, carefully clean surfaces to remove dust, grime and fingerprints. Painted surfaces are usually washable, but test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first. Use a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner. To avoid streak marks when cleaning large vertical areas, start at the bottom and work up, overlapping areas and using a circular motion.
- Organize closets and storage spaces: Tidy, organized storage areas convey a sense of ample space.
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3. Complete Necessary Repairs:
- Inspect and fix major systems: Ensure that heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems are in good working order.
- Address minor issues: Repair leaks, replace broken tiles, and fix any cosmetic issues that may detract from the overall impression of the home.
4. Stage the Home:
- Arrange furniture strategically: Optimize the layout to highlight the flow of the rooms and maximize space.
- Use neutral decor: Keep decorations simple and neutral to appeal to a broader range of potential buyers.
5. Highlight Outdoor Spaces:
- Prepare the garden and yard: Trim the lawn, prune bushes, and add outdoor seating or a dining area to showcase potential entertaining spaces.
- Stage the patio or deck: Set up outdoor furniture to help buyers envision the outdoor living potential of the property.
- Highlight unique features: If you have a pool, garden, or other standout feature, ensure it's well-maintained and highlighted in marketing materials.
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Of course, your home will still sell without accomplishing these suggestions, but prepping a home for sale will significantly enhance its market appeal and increases the likelihood of a more profitable sale. By investing time and effort into tasks such as decluttering, staging, and completing necessary repairs, sellers can improve the overall presentation of the property, attract more potential buyers, and possibly secure higher offers. A well-prepared home creates a positive first impression, instilling confidence in buyers and potentially leading to a smoother transaction process. Ultimately, proper preparation maximizes the property's value and ensures a successful sale.
Karl Hess provides expert real estate services to residential buyers and sellers in Ocean County. Contact us today for more information on Ocean County Real Estate and for professional assistance navigating this complex home market.