Selling a home fast and for top dollar doesn’t just happen automatically. Preparing a home for the real estate market involves some hard work. Home sellers who present their property in the best light have more opportunities for multiple offers at or above the asking price. So, follow this guide to get a house ready for the real estate market. First impressions lead to lasting impressions for home buyers, so pay close attention to a property’s curb appeal. When potential buyers pull up to the curb, they should see a home and yard that’s welcoming and well-maintained. For the absolute best curb appeal, make sure to mow the lawn, trim bushes, clean the gutters, and remove snow or leaves from the property. Spruce up the home’s exterior, and repair any peeling paint, water damage, or cracks. Make sure the front door and entrance area are welcoming, clean, and well-lit.
Tackle Any Home Repair Projects
Buyers who notice little issues like a leaky faucet or loose railing may wonder what bigger problems are hiding in a house for sale. That’s not the impression you want to give buyers when you sell a house. By making small repairs, you give buyers fewer things to worry about. The home is ready for move-in, and that speeds up the real estate sales process. So, tackle the simple repairs yourself of hire a professional plumber, electrician, or handyman. Make sure that anything broken, loose, or inoperable gets fixed before the home goes to market.
Declutter and Depersonalize Your Home
Buyers are more likely to envision themselves living in a home if the home is clear of personal items and clutter. Photos, knick-knacks, and other personal items can distract buyers. Cluttered rooms can appear messy and unkept. On the other hand, open and well-organized rooms are more attractive. By clearing out excess furniture and belongings, rooms look larger and more appealing to buyers.
Deep Clean Your House
Homes that sparkle make a great impression and show that a house is loved and cared for. To ensure a house looks its best, thoroughly clean every room from floor to ceiling. Be sure to wipe down baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. Vacuum carpets and consider professional carpet cleaning. Wash the windows inside and out, and remember to clean the screens, too. If you’re short on time or if deep cleaning is too daunting of a task, hire a professional house cleaner. Buyers are likely to notice any dirt, dust, or grime, which detracts their attention from a home’s positive qualities.
Stage Your Home in its Best Light
Staging strategically converts a home from an ordinary living space to a marketable product. Home staging is especially critical when selling a house that is empty because staging brings warmth and appeal to the property. Buyers are looking for inviting, bright, and beautiful rooms. By staging a home, sellers can appeal to a buyer’s emotions and perceptions. Plus, staging gives buyers an opportunity to fall in love with the home’s best features, while also downplaying its less desirable features.
Work with a Real Estate Sales Professional
Pre-listing preparation takes time and effort, but it’s an important part of the real estate sales process. Potential home buyers love a clean, inviting, and well-maintained home. They want to move into a spotless home, and they are likely to make a better offer when they find one. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything leading up to a listing, but the right real estate agent can help. Start the home-selling process with a call to Terri Balistriere, broker/owner of Express Realty, for your free Comparative Market Analysis.
A Trusted Partner for Life-Changing Real Estate Decisions
Buying or selling a house is a huge, life-changing, financial decision. So, it pays to work with an experienced broker like me who can walk you through all of the details. Whether you’re a senior ready to sell or a first-time home buyer ready to purchase, Express Realty is the Green Bay, Wisconsin, company to entrust your future. Contact Express Realty today for a free Comparative Market Analysis.
About Express Realty: Express Realty is a Green Bay, Wisconsin, real estate company offering lower commission rates without compromising quality. Broker/owner Terri Balistriere fell in love with real estate when she and her husband flipped homes 20 year ago. Since that time, she has helped hundreds of Northeast Wisconsin residents fulfill their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, Terri Balistriere is ready to help. Contact Express Realty, your Northeast Wisconsin real estate professional serving Brown County, Oconto County, Outagamie County, Sheboygan County, and Manitowoc County. Express Realty’s professional real estate services cover De Pere, Green Bay, Bellevue, Hobart, Allouez, Suamico, Pulaski, Little Suamico, Chase, Freedom, Wrightstown, Wrightstown, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan.