There is a little more to selling your home than simply putting up a “For Sale” sign, especially if you want to sell quickly for the best possible price.
With the right preparation, you can maximize its market value and make your home attractive enough for its new owners to fall in love with fast.
In this guide, you’ll find the top tips for boosting a property’s market value, whether you are looking to list or simply exploring your options.
Create Lasting First Impressions by Boosting Curb Appeal
How your home looks from the outside has a huge influence on buyer interest. Potential buyers form opinions before they have opened the door, and first impressions are everything. So, start with improving curb appeal.
Maintenance & Landscaping
A messy yard suggests a messy home, and statistics suggest that quality landscaping can increase a home’s resale value by up to 10-15%. You don’t have to splash out, but the following suggestions can make a big impact:
- Trim anything overgrown.
- Edge the lawn and get rid of weeds.
- Consider seasonal flowers to add color.
- Power wash walkways, driveways, and sidings.
See also: Do Property Management Companies Help with Buying and Selling Real Estate?
Exterior Repair or Revamp
It is also wise to fix any exterior issues, such as cracked walkways or loose railings.
You can give everything a fresh lick of paint to keep it looking fresh and consider replacing the following to give the outside a quick upgrade:
- House numbers.
- Mailbox.
- Porch light fixtures.
- Door.
Declutter & Neutralize Interiors
It is important to depersonalize your home and make it a blank canvas for the next owner so to speak. Ultimately the buyer needs to be able to envision themself living there. A neutral, clean space helps with this.
Personal & Excess Items
Depersonalize your home by packing away family photos and memorabilia. Store all nonessentials to remove clutter and create a spacious feel. You can rent a storage unit if necessary.
Storage Area Organization
Storage space is important to home buyers so make sure your closets and cabinets are neatly organized. If they are overstuffed, it gives the impression of a lack of storage. If you have a garage or utility space, make it shine to show off its full potential.
Strategic Repairs & Upgrades
You don’t want to fork out too much but strategic repairs and upgrades can go a long way toward maximizing the market value of your home. With the right focus, you can make the most return on your investment.
Obvious Problems
Sellers often overlook minor issues, thinking they won’t make much of a difference, but they can be the reason for a lower offer. Consider fixing the following obvious problems:
- Leaky faucets.
- Squeaky doors.
- Cracked tiles.
- Damaged baseboards, etc.
Keep the Kitchen & Bathroom the Focus
As they are functional and fundamental to everyday life, the kitchen and bathroom should be your focus.
Repainting cabinets and modernizing hardware can be very transformative and give increased appeal without breaking the bank.
So get rid of outdated fixtures and consider modern faucets or energy-efficient lighting to boost your home value.
Deep Cleaning & Staging Your Home
Even a well-maintained home can benefit from a deep clean before buyers lay their eyes on it.
Additionally, there are a few staging techniques that can help buyers envision life in your property.
Professional Services
It is well worth seeking a professional for a deep clean to make sure your home looks (and smells) its best. Professionally cleaning the carpets, grout, and windows will give your home a new lease of life.
Highlight Features With Staging Techniques
Furniture placement is important; the right arrangement can make it feel bigger and more inviting.
Throws and cushions can help make it feel cozier but keep the colors neutral colors. Mirrors can be placed to make the most of natural light.
Remember, you can seek the help of professionals to stage your home for sale.
Safety & Privacy Tips
Showcasing your home inevitably means inviting strangers into your space, so protecting yourself and your data is a consideration that can’t be overlooked.
Valuables and Sensitive Information
Remove or lock up your valuables before any showings in your home. Suggested items include:
- Jewelry and heirlooms.
- Personal documents such as passports.
- Sensitive mail such as bank statements.
- Electronic devices.
- Prescription medications.
Online Security During the Sales
Modern home sales are becoming increasingly more digitally led.
Online communications need protection with encryption for security. A VPN can help with safely accessing real estate platforms and sharing documents with personal data.
VPNs also mask your IP address. If you are wondering, “What is my IP?” then it is well worth learning some of the best cybersecurity practices to safeguard your privacy while navigating a house sale.
Keeping Your Home “Show-Ready”
With your home ready for the market, potential buyers might want to stop by at any time.
Daily upkeep is essential for your hard work to pay off. Below are a few final tips on how to keep things picture-perfect.
Rapid Clean-Up Routine
A daily checklist can help keep things manageable. Something along the lines of the following each morning;
- Make beds.
- Clean bathrooms.
- Clean counters and dust surfaces.
- Empty trash bins.
- Sweep or vacuum floors.
A great tip for making sure your clutter doesn’t get out of hand is to have a decorative basket to gather everything in you can even take it with you or pop it in your car at a moment’s notice.
Make Yourself Scarce
Stepping out of your home rather than hovering or giving a tour gives buyers the space to imagine themselves living there.
Remember to take kids and pets with you or leave them with a sitter elsewhere.
Conclusion
There is a fair amount of effort involved in selling your home for a decent price but with tips laid out above the payoff is well worth it.
Preparing for the market by boosting your curb appeal and focusing on strategic repairs helps your home stand out and create a great first impression.
Depersonalization and staging techniques make your home feel like a place buyers can see themselves. If you get it right you can make a quick sale with a great return.
