8 Steps to Take Before Selling Your Home

Before selling your home, you should consider the following steps:

• Clean and declutter your home.

Start by making a plan and setting a goal for what you want to accomplish.
Go room by room and start by decluttering. This means going through each item and deciding whether to keep it, sell it, donate it, or throw it away.
Once you've decluttered, it's time to start cleaning. Make sure to dust, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces.
After cleaning, maintain the cleanliness by regularly putting things back in their designated places, putting things away after use, and doing a quick clean-up before going to bed.
Consider implementing a regular cleaning schedule to keep on top of the cleaning and decluttering.
You can also use some cleaning tools or products like cleaning sprays, microfiber cloths, and a vacuum cleaner.
Finally, consider hiring a professional cleaner or organizing service if you feel overwhelmed.

• Make any necessary repairs or improvements.

There are several repairs and improvements you can make before selling your home to increase its value and appeal to potential buyers. Some common ones include:

Fix any leaks or damage: Fix any leaks or damage, such as a leaky roof or damaged flooring, to avoid any potential red flags for buyers.
Update lighting fixtures: Updating lighting fixtures can make a room feel more modern and open.
Landscaping: A well-maintained landscape can add curb appeal and make your home more attractive to buyers.
Improve Energy Efficiency: Simple changes like adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can make your home more attractive to buyers and can save them money on their utility bills.
Clean the carpets and flooring: Cleaning or replacing carpets, tile, and hardwood floors can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home.
It's important to keep in mind that some repairs and improvements will have a greater impact on the value of your home than others. It may be wise to consult a real estate agent or home inspector to help you prioritize and plan your repairs and improvements.

• Stage your home to make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Here are a few tips on how to stage your home to make it more attractive to potential buyers:
Declutter and depersonalize: Remove personal items and excess furniture to make the space appear larger and more open.
Paint and repair: Give the walls a fresh coat of paint and fix any obvious repairs to make the home look well-maintained.
Rearrange furniture: Arrange furniture to create a sense of flow and make the most of the space.
Add lighting: Increase the amount of natural light in the home and add lamps or overhead lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Add plants: Add some greenery to the space to bring life and color to the home.
Style the kitchen and bathrooms: These are two of the most important rooms in the house, so make sure they look their best by decluttering the counters and styling them with a few key accessories.
Make sure it smells nice: Make sure the home smells fresh and clean. Light candles or use diffusers with essential oils.
Show the home at different times of the day: Show the house in the morning, afternoon, and evening to show how the lighting changes the ambiance.
Professional photographs: Hire a professional photographer to take pictures of your home to showcase it in the best possible light.
Finally, consider hiring a professional home stager who can give you personalized advice and help you make the most of your space.

• Price your home competitively.

To price your home competitively, you should research the prices of similar homes in your area that have recently sold. You can do this by looking at real estate listings and sales data, as well as consulting with a real estate agent. Additionally, you should consider the condition and features of your home, as well as any recent improvements or upgrades. Once you have a good sense of the market and your home's value, you can set a competitive price that will attract buyers.

• Gather all necessary documents, such as property tax records and home inspection reports, to provide to potential buyers.

• Take high-quality photographs of your home to use in marketing materials.

To best sell a home, photographs that showcase the main features of the property such as the exterior, kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms should be included. Additionally, photographs that highlight any unique or desirable features such as a backyard, view, or fireplace can also be helpful. It is also important to make sure the photographs are high-quality and well-lit.

• Create a list of features and benefits of your home to share with potential buyers.

• Hire a local and respected real estate agent … The Real McCoy Group of Coldwell Banker Realty. 

The Real McCoy Group | Coldwell Banker Realty  (302) 539-1777 | christine@therealmccoygroup.com