Selling your home can seem like a daunting task, especially as a first-time seller. A knowledgeable real estate agent by your side will make the process smoother, but there are many things you can do to aid in the appeal of your home! Preparing every aspect of your house is an important, and often, overlooked aspect of the sales process.
Research suggests that potential homebuyers typically form their first impressions of a property within the first eight seconds of stepping inside the house. These rapid impressions heavily influence their overall perception and decision-making process regarding the purchase.
Exterior: Don’t Underestimate Curb Appeal!
A lot of sellers may put time and effort into revamping the interior of their home but may neglect the exterior. Maintaining a well-groomed lawn goes a long way. Enhance it further by planting seasonal flowers in your beds for a vibrant touch and ensuring trimmed hedges and bushes for a tidy appearance. This can catch the eye of even a passerby driving through the neighborhood looking for available homes.
Creating an inviting front entryway contributes to the exterior’s appeal; a new welcome mat and a clean porch free of dirt or excess leaves make a difference. If you have the time and resources, power washing your driveway and sidewalk can add a brand-new feel to the home. A small but important detail is your house numbers – consider getting a different or more updated font to give your home a more modern feel!
Declutter: Get Rid of the Mess!
Having a clean slate on the inside of your home is a great way to start getting prospective buyers to be able to picture themselves living in the house. Keep in mind that individual tastes vary widely in décor, so strive for a neutral, adaptable space. Pack away unnecessary knick-knacks that may be cluttering up counter space or end tables.
As far as personalized items, it’s a good practice to take down family photos on your walls, clear old Christmas cards from your refrigerator, and stow away anything customized specifically for your family. Thinking of throwing some boxes in your closets for the time being? Don’t! Prospective buyers viewing your home will definitely want to peek at their potential closet space!
Cleaning Up: Tips for General Upkeep
Making sure your home is as clean as can be is essential in making your home a clean slate for potential buyers. Pulling out your vacuum is a great first step, but there are many other things to consider in your pre-showing cleaning routine. Wipe down appliances to remove fingerprints, as well as windows! Dust off shelves, end tables, baseboards, window blinds, ceiling fans, and all of those other places where dust and dirt ducan accumulate.
Make sure you are catering to other senses too! Your house may appear to be clean, but the immediate scent of something like pets or garbage upon entering could create a negative impression. If your budget allows, hiring a cleaning service to do a proper deep clean prior to your first showing is an easy way for you to start fresh and maintain a clean home.
Repairs: Fix it up
You likely have identified a few minor repairs needed around your home, but perhaps you haven’t given them priority yet. Well, now’s the time! Fixing up that wobbly toilet, replacing that dead lightbulb, or tightening up the leaky faucet are some small repairs that can make your home more appealing.
Think all of the small upgrades you can make that could have a big impact. Refreshing or replacing exterior doors can serve as a striking focal point, adding a touch of color to the outside, while painting selected rooms indoors can revitalize the space. Consider swapping out worn-out blinds, and for a more significant but rewarding project, consider updating the major hardware throughout your home, including kitchen and bathroom faucets, to elevate the overall appeal and draw attention in listing photos. Being proactive as a seller by addressing small repairs before a potential buyer’s inspection can leave a positive impression, showcasing your home’s care and maintenance.
Photography: Lights, Camera, Action
After successfully preparing your home for listing, it’s time for photos! Remember what we said about first impressions? Buyers typically discover homes through the MLS, where they’ll view pictures before even stepping foot on the property. High-quality images can spark interest, preventing potential buyers from skipping past your listing and moving on to the next home.
Investing in a professional real estate photographer isn’t a necessity but can certainly make a big difference in how your home is presented.
In the world of home selling, first impressions truly make a difference. By meticulously decluttering, deep cleaning, and addressing repairs, you’re not just presenting a house; you’re crafting an experience for potential buyers. A clutter-free, well-maintained home speaks volumes, inviting them to envision a future within its walls.
As you prepare your home with care and attention to detail, remember that the effort you put in will undoubtedly pay off, captivating those who walk through the door and setting the stage for a successful sale.
If you’re seeking guidance in listing and selling your home in the Greenville, SC area, reach out to one of our experienced agents for expert assistance.
