The real estate market has seemingly never been hotter, so it’s no surprise that people are rushing to buy and sell homes. If you fall into the latter category, it’s a great time to cash in on your home’s equity, but there are a few things to do before you sell your house in order to get the best return on your investment. You might be leaving money on the table — and missing out on promising offers — if you don’t follow these tips for preparing to sell your house.
Make Any Necessary Repairs
It might seem like faster is better when it comes to listing your home. Indeed, you don’t want to wait until the market cools off, but you also don’t want to list your home hastily before it’s ready to be sold. This is a mistake that many buyers make, and it can translate to lost dollars come closing time. It’s important, then, that you make any necessary repairs to your home before you proceed to list it. Does the HVAC unit need to be replaced? Replace it. Does the roof need to be repaired? Repair it.
Create the Appearance of Space
Ensuring your home is in good condition is key to maximizing its value, but you may be surprised by how much impact staging can have, too. Indeed, staging your home effectively is one of the best ways to attract prospective buyers and help them imagine themselves in your home. To this end, you should strategically create the appearance of space. Buyers are often attracted to open, spacious homes, and space-optimizing staging strategies can garner more buyer interest.
Invest in a Coat of Fresh Paint
Did you know that fresh paint is yet another way to boost your home’s value? Indeed, it can completely refresh the appearance of your home, which in turn can help it sell for a higher price. Refreshing the paint on your home is also a great way to ensure there are no issues that may necessitate repair. If you’re painting the siding and notice mold, for example, this offers an opportunity to address the issue before listing your home — and prevent a home insurance claim that could be costly.
Keep it Clean and Decluttered
Perhaps the most important principle of listing preparation is to keep your home free from clutter. As prospective home buyers tour your house, they will want to envision their own lives unfolding in the space. Too many photos, knick knacks, and cluttered surfaces will prevent them from doing so. It’s important to invest in home insurance when you’re preparing your home for sale, and it’s equally important to ensure that it is clean and presentable before you list it on the market.
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