How to Prep Your Home for Selling

10 Things to do before you put the “for sale” sign in your yard.

Senior Real Estate

One of the first questions I get from clients is how to prepare their home to go on the market? It’s a topic that can overwhelm a homeowner who is making a real life change.

Here are ten quick tips I give clients to give them the best chance of getting top dollar for their home.

  1. Declutter and Depersonalize: Declutter and depersonalize the house. Remove personal items (yes, all the family photos), excessive furniture, and unnecessary belongings. A clean and clutter-free space helps the buyer see themselves in the home.
  2. Deep Clean: A clean home is a marketable home. It shows the homeowner cares about home maintenance. Clean vents, fans, baseboards, windows and carpets. If you can’t do it yourself, it’s worth bringing someone in for a cleaning before we start showing the home to buyers.
  3. Make Necessary Repairs: Address issues that might deter potential buyers such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and holes in the wall.
  4. Refresh Paint and Finishes: A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in revitalizing your home’s appearance. Stick to neutral colors to appeal to a broader range of buyers and touch up areas that may have chipped paint.
  5. Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Spruce up your home’s exterior by landscaping, mowing the lawn, and adding potted plants or flowers. Ensure that the front door and exterior are in top-notch condition to create a welcoming entryway.
  6. Stage Your Home: Arrange furniture to showcase the flow of each space and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. I often recommend a stager if that is what is needed to sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.
  7. Set the Right Price: I’ll research comparable home sales in the area to determine a competitive and realistic asking price. Overpricing your home can discourage potential buyers, while underpricing might leave money on the table.
  8. Create an Online Presence: I will also ensure my client’s home is advertised online and that there are photos to draw in prospective buyers.
  9. Gather Necessary Documents: Streamline the closing process by gathering important documents in advance. This includes property records, warranty information, and any relevant paperwork on recent improvements or repairs.
  10. Be Flexible and Open to Feedback: It’s also important that sellers be flexible with showings and listen to buyer feedback. Being adaptable can speed up the sale process.

I remind sellers it’s important to detach from the home they’re selling and focus on what’s next for them. It’s tough especially for families who have lived in a home for decades, but it helps the process go more smoothly.

Have questions about selling your home and looking for your next one? Reach out to us at Atlanta Seniors Real Estate – we’re here to help.