Are you considering selling your home? Even in today’s active seller’s market, there are things you can do today to set it apart from others for sale in your neighborhood and put it in the most advantageous position possible. Here are nine projects you should tackle before listing your house.
1. Do a deep clean
Let’s get started! Cleaning your home may not be the most glamorous activity, but it’s so important. Dusting from ceiling fan blades all the way down to the baseboards is needed for a truly deep clean. Your refrigerator should shine, while the oven should look as clean on the inside as it does on the outside. Change out filters for all of your HVAC units and vents. And if you don’t have the time or the physical ability to accomplish this, contact a cleaning service or pro for help.
2. Wash the windows
Your windows are another element of your home that you may take for granted because you’re used to seeing them. Windex, steel wool, and a good wash will have those windows gleaming again. For the outside windows, you may need to consider having them cleaned by an expert before showing the property to potential buyers. It will make a big difference in the way your home is perceived. After all, you want potential buyers to see your home in the best light possible…literally!
While we’re on the subject of windows, check the state of your window treatments. If they’re old and outdated, it might be time for an upgrade. The same goes for window treatments that are in disrepair or no longer functioning as intended. If your window treatments are in decent shape, make sure they’re all clean and free of dust.
3. Declutter, declutter, declutter
It’s also a good idea to tackle one room at a time, which is why doing a room-by-room decluttering might be beneficial. Buyers love going into model homes because they’re well-staged, and while that’s a difficult standard to satisfy, simply clearing off countertops, boxing up extra photograph frames and decorations, and thinning out closets will do wonders for the look of your home.
When you’ve decluttered as much as possible, it’s time to put away the things you don’t use every day but can’t bear to get rid of just yet before listing your house. This is what storage units and rented PODS are for!
4. Apply a fresh coat of paint
If you haven’t recently painted it, your house might benefit from a fresh coat (or two) of paint. Wear and tear on walls leads to dinginess over time. If you’ve lived in the same house for several years, you might be used to the way it looks. But to a potential buyer, your home will look dated if the colors are old, worn, or off-trend. Painting your home can be a fast and easy upgrade. When in doubt about paint colors, go neutral.
5. Upgrade your kitchen cabinets
Since the most expensive component in a kitchen is usually the cabinets, updating them is a wonderful way to freshen up your area. Paint faded or painted cabinets a fresh, neutral color; replace doors and drawers with new ones; or install new cabinet hardware.
6. Add a backsplash
A fresh backsplash is a quick and inexpensive way to update an older kitchen. A backsplash serves two purposes: to shield your walls from grease and stains while you cook and to improve the appearance of your kitchen. Neutral-colored subway tile laid in an unusual design configuration or using contrasting grout can keep your backsplash conventional while adding a dash of personality.
7. Get rid of pesky pests
Do you see any indications of pests in your home? If so, have a pest control firm handle the job. In addition to common pests like ants or roaches, be sure to also check for termites, carpenter ants, and any other wood-destroying insects. These can do major damage to a home and will need to be addressed before listing your house.
8. Minimize pet accessories
It’s important to keep the house neat and clean for showings. As you are preparing for listing your house, be aware of any animal odors or hair in the home. And just as you would corral children’s toys, consider decluttering pet toys and supplies (or hide them from view).
9. Enhance your home’s curb appeal
Landscaping is often the first thing a potential buyer notices about your home. To create a ‘wow’ factor, consider transforming your front yard with seasonal plants and ground cover available from your local garden center (often for a relatively low cost). Remember that curb appeal establishes the buyer’s expectations for what they’ll see within your home.
Keep in mind a few key things: make sure your lawn is mowed and edged, the plants are trimmed and free of weeds, and your flower beds are mulched. If you don’t have time to do it yourself, hire a professional! Just be sure to get a few quotes before hiring anyone.
Carrie Fitts Real Estate agents can help with listing your house
These nine DIY projects will give your property a facelift and attract potential purchasers. Do you require professional help when selling your home? Carrie Fitts Real Estate agents can assist you with this! We’ll work with you to choose which of these inexpensive and simple upgrades to complete before listing your house in this hot housing market. To learn more about how we can help you, contact our agents today.
—- Bottom Line —-
Ready to list your home? Contact our agents today!
Call us at 205.248.7353 or send us a message. We’ll help you take your first step toward finding “A House That Fitts.”