If you are thinking about selling your house, there are a few key points to consider before having an open house to encourage a bid on it. Buyers usually have important thoughts and visions before committing to a forever home.
Make sure your home is up to code.
This could hinder buyers from taking the necessary steps to actually buy your home. As long as your house has no foundation issues, appliances are installed correctly, the roof is leak-free, and the windows and doors have been installed correctly then you shouldn’t have to worry much.
When someone decides to buy a home, they often seek the help of a home inspector to make sure the home they’re contemplating purchasing isn’t going to cost them even more money after they buy it by having to repair all of the things you overlooked before selling it. If they find anything wrong with it, the best-case scenario is that they’ll ask you to pay for the repairs before they purchase the home; worst-case – they will cancel their offer.
Consider upgrading the fixtures and appliances throughout the house.
An aesthetically pleasing indoor space is the main selling point for buyers. If they realize a home is move-in ready without having to make expensive upgrades to the home, it will become more appealing than other housing options that require a bit more work. You may have to shell out a bit out of pocket but there are many upgrades that can be done on a budget, and it will pay off in the end when you attract more buyers.
In addition, you should also make sure the place looks clean (paint over scuffs, deep clean the carpets, clean the floors, etc.). Every aspect of your home should also function properly. Lights should work, doors should open without squeaking, cabinets should not stick when opening them, sliding glass doors should glide with ease, and ceiling fans should spin easily and not rock from the base. Be sure that those repairs are made before inviting potential buyers to your house.
Stage your home or hire someone to stage it.
Staging your home provides a blank canvas for potential buyers to see how they could modify or use the space within the home as their own. Staging your home includes
- Paint. Most buyers like to feel like a new home is fresh and ready to be made into a place all their own. Using neutral colors helps others envision their own pops of colors that they will use to make the house match their personality. Making sure there are no stains on the walls or ceiling is a bigger deal than most people realize. Having a clean appearance will help put a potential buyer at ease and move them better in the direction of buying your house.
- Landscaping. Outside areas are just as important to create an inviting welcome to potential buyers. Paint could be an option you may need to refresh in addition to cutting the grass, pulling weeds, trimming low tree branches, and possibly planting a few fresh flowers to create curb appeal. Don’t overlook washing the mailbox, windows, and house numbers and outdoor light fixtures.
- Empty the House. It is true that an empty home can sell faster than one filled with all of your stuff. Pack as much as you can and move out as much furniture as you can prior to listing your home. Potential buyers will have their own set of furniture and decoration and viewing an empty (or nearly empty) room can help hem to envision their own things in your home.
- Furniture Staging. This is usually best done by the professionals but staging your empty home with select stylish furniture and décor can also help sell your home. You may think this contradicts the above but most staging furniture is depersonalized – it looks straight out of a home magazine and does not come with the same air of ownership and history that your family section has. Most home stagings are done with minimal pieces to highlight the space, lighting, or unique aspect of a room.