If you plan to sell your house this spring, don’t delay getting it ready. The low mortgage rate has boosted demand, paving the way for a bustling spring in the real estate market.
Take advantage of the seller’s market and get your house on the market as soon as possible. Preparing your property for sale can help you avoid the stress of a last-minute sale.
You can speak with some well-known home purchasers, such as House Heroes, to get some advice on how you can prepare for those all-important OFIs (open for inspection) show homes.
Here are some pointers to help you prepare your house for the late winter and early spring market.
1. Declutter
Start packing soon to make your relocation go smoothly. The fewer items you have, the larger your house appears to be.
Since getting buyers into the property is half the fight, ensure they don’t lose interest because it’s crammed with items that might simply be stuffed into a closet or drawer.
Decluttering doesn’t simply get rid of everything, but it does include arranging and getting rid of the majority of your belongings.
Most rooms contain an excessive amount of furniture. Remove at least one item of furniture and move it away from the walls to open up the space. Buyers should be able to move about the rooms easily without colliding with end tables or ottomans.
Remove empty vases, sculptures, and clocks off tables and reduce the number of books on shelves. Also, don’t forget to de-personalize.
Buyers want to see themselves in the house. This entails removing family photographs off of the refrigerator and messages and postcards.
Donate anything that hasn’t been used in the last year, and toss out broken or damaged items. Consider renting a storage unit for large furniture, Christmas decorations, out-of-season apparel, and other items you don’t need right now.
2. Clean
One of the most important steps you can take before putting your property on the market is to clean it.
It’s worth noting that you should devote more than just one afternoon to sprucing up your property. Set aside a few days to thoroughly clean the rooms. The kitchen and bathrooms must be spotless.
When was the last time you cleaned your home’s windows? Bring out the Windex! This simple, low-cost technique provides extra light to a space and makes even old windows appear brand new again.
Countertops, sinks, baths, and appliances all need to shine. Your property will appeal to prospects considerably more when it’s bright and clean.
Pay attention to the smallest details when cleaning.
- Dust the blinds
- Wash the curtains
- Dust your baseboards
- Neaten closets
- Shampoo the rugs
- Make the beds
- Clean the light switches
3. Make It Bright
Making your property look brighter is another low-cost yet efficient method of showing it. Buyers prefer bright and pleasant houses versus ones that are gloomy and claustrophobic.
Keep your draperies and blinds open to let in more natural light. You should retract deck awnings. Replacing low-wattage light bulbs with higher-wattage bulbs, as well as replacing certain fixtures entirely, will instantly open and brighten a space.
You’d be surprised how much putting a lamp in a dark area will open up and expand the space in the room.
4. Paint
This is one of the most cost-effective and efficient methods to liven up your home’s interiors. A fresh coat of paint on the walls will quickly brighten them and make the house appear brand new. Adding a dash of color will brighten up dreary interiors.
Alternatively, choose more neutral hues for a more secure, modern, and updated appearance. Painting rooms help optimize space and make them look larger, and it’s one of the most cost-effective home remodeling projects.
While you may adore your aubergine walls, the majority of purchasers are unlikely to be fond of them.
Most purchasers like to see a blank canvas where they may express themselves. Paint your walls in neutral hues with a matt finish to make your property appealing to the widest potential audience.
Before painting, be careful to fix any nail holes or other damage, and touch up the ceilings and trim as needed.
5. Repairs and Improvements
If a buyer notices a damaged railing or a leaky faucet while touring your property, it creates the sense that not everything in the house has been taken care of.
That’s why it’s critical to finish any small jobs you’ve been putting off. Replacing missing tiles, repairing damaged screens, and filling up holes or gaps in the walls are all tasks you can do.
You should replace cracked windowpanes and moldings. These kinds of repairs won’t cost a lot of money, but they’ll have a significant influence on a buyer’s perception of your house.
Now is also a good time to finish any home improvement work you’ve been putting off. If you have any other home improvement projects in the works, be sure they can be completed quickly.