Have you been thinking about selling your home? Before you decide to put it on the market, there are several things you can do to give potential buyers the best first impression of your home, increasing your chances of selling at or above your asking price. There’s always the option to hire a professional stager, but if you're looking to stage your home without breaking the bank, you can get your home into prime condition with a few strategic and inexpensive tips and tricks.
1. Remove personal photos
When you’re staging your home, your primary goal is to give your potential buyers a blank canvas to envision themselves living in your home. Personal photos and mementos can be distracting to potential buyers. You'll be moving as soon as your home sells anyway, so get the packing process started sooner by removing and storing your personal family photos before you list your home for sale!
2. Get rid of clutter
As a rule of thumb, you should remove as much furniture, decor, and clutter from each room as you possibly can. Having three side tables may be functional for you as a homeowner, but removing all but one will make the living room look more spacious. This also goes for counter spaces, shelves, and closets. The more organized and clutter-free your home appears, the more a potential buyer will be able to envision their own belongings fitting into the space.
3. Make cleaning a priority
When you’re getting your home ready for showings, make sure it sparkles! Floors, carpets, appliances, counters, windows, and furniture should be cleaned thoroughly. You should also ensure that your yard is mowed, trimmed, and free of trash or clutter. Show your buyer what your house looks like at its best!
4. Don’t jump into repairs
Often times, sellers think that in order to list their home, they have to make large, expensive repairs such as replacing flooring, repairing major plumbing issues, or replacing a roof. The fact of the matter is, you should consult with your real estate professional before you make any major repairs to ensure you don't invest money on something that a buyer may not be concerned with. Small repairs, such as replacing lightbulbs or fixing a door handle, are a smart idea, but when it comes to big repairs, hold off until you get direction from your real estate partner.
Getting your home ready for potential buyers doesn't have to be overwhelming if you take it step-by-step. With some careful planning and a little hard work, you can build your pool of potential buyers by giving them the best first impression of your home!
*Be sure to consult your REALTOR® for real estate-related advice.
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