8 tips to get your home to sell — even if you’re on a budget
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Selling a home can be stressful and time-consuming. You never really know when the house is actually “ready” to sell. How many walls need to be repainted or carpets restretched before it feels like it’s time to list? Many sellers pour large amounts of time and money into a home before they feel comfortable with agents showing it. But what can increase the asking price? And can you do some simple things to get your home ready to list?
Here are eight tips that can save you time and make you money when getting your home ready to sell.
1. Staging
Home staging is a type of decorating used to highlight your home’s most impressive assets and help buyers imagine themselves living there. Do it right, and you should have no problem selling your home quickly. Staging doesn’t have to be expensive, though. Decluttering is often the most impactful part of staging. If you know you’re moving anyway, start boxing up your stuff. That will make it easier for a potential buyer to picture their own belongings there. Some companies will stage your home professionally, or you can use what you have and arrange it in a way that’s better for showing.
2. Ask for input from friends
Have friends or family come over and offer their honest opinions about the look, feel, smell, and overall appearance of your home. To some, this type of honest feedback may be difficult to take, but it will weed out a lot of problems before buyers come take a look. If you’re afraid to ask people you know well, ask a real estate agent to give you feedback.
3. Finding the right professional
One of the smartest things homeowners can do is find the right real estate agent for them. There are all kinds of pros out there, with all kinds of approaches and personalities. So how do you find the perfect fit? Ask around. Get referrals from people you know and trust. You can also visit open houses to meet new agents. Are they friendly? Will they answer their phone when you call? Reading online reviews can also be helpful. In general, you want to find an agent who has YOUR best interests at heart. Their goals should perfectly align with your goals.
4. Freshen up the paint
Paint touch up is an affordable way to freshen up your home, making it look and smell new. Touching up baseboards, trim around doors and windows can make a massive difference to brighten up a room. Make sure you color match first, however. Over time, paint can fade in sunny areas of your home.
5. Cleaning and decluttering
Cleaning and decluttering and often not the most entertaining of tasks, but they are perhaps the most impactful task when selling a home. If you have pets, consider relocating them to the garage or basement while showing your home.
6. Curb appeal
There are simple and low-cost ways to spruce up the outside of your home. Simply pulling weeds, clearing away spider webs, cutting back bushes and mowing the lawn are necessary for good curb appeal. Consider planting flowers, cleaning windows and exterior surfaces as well.
7. Create new spaces
A 3 bedroom home can sometimes be easily converted into a four- bedroom home with the simple addition of a closet. Spaces such as dens or offices might be appealing to some, but adding an extra bedroom appeals to a larger market and can increase the sales price of your home. Creating an outdoor living space by adding some comfortable furniture can also quickly add some appeal and value to your home.
8. Update lighting fixtures
This one may seem a little strange, but lighting fixtures can really date a home. Many styles come and go throughout the years. By updating chandeliers, ceiling fans and other dated fixtures, you can make your home have a more modern appeal to buyers.
Hopefully, you now have a few tricks up your sleeve to boost your home’s value and make it easier to sell. For more tips and tricks, reach out to a trusted real estate professional. They will give you honest feedback and suggestions.