Selling
your home doesn’t just mean hiring a realtor to stick a sign out front. There
are a lot of preparations you should make to ensure you get the best offer
possible in the shortest time.
Repair.
Just because you’ve gotten used to the cracks in the walls and the rattles in
the radiators doesn’t mean a buyer will too. If you have hardwood floors that
need refinishing, be sure to get it done—hardwood is a huge selling point.
Buyers like to snoop around, so be sure to fix any sticky doors or drawers as
well. Finally, don’t forget to address any issues with the exterior—fences,
shingles, sidewalks, etc. After all, without curb appeal, some buyers may never
get to see the inside.
Neutralize.
You want buyers to see themselves in your home. If your living room has lime
green shag, wood-paneled walls, and all your collectibles and personal
photographs, this will be much harder for them to do. Try replacing any bold
color choices in your floors and walls with something more neutral—beiges,
tans, and whites. Repainting and reflooring will make everything look fresh and
new, and help prospective buyers imagine all the possibilities.
Stage.
Once your house is clean and updated, it’s time to play dress up. Home stagers
can add small details and décor touches that will bring out the possibilities
in the various spaces in your home: lamps, mirrors, throw rugs and pillows,
flowers, decorative soaps and towels, patio furniture. Home staging can be
particularly useful if your home is especially old or if the exterior looks
dated. Think of it as a little mascara and rouge—if it’s done right, you notice
the beauty, not the makeup.
