If you are planning on selling your house soon, you want to be sure that you get the best offer you can on it. Certain things are beyond your control, such as location and the condition of the neighborhood. However, elements of your actual house that can increase the asking price are within your control and it is worth spending the time (and a little money where necessary) focusing on these to ensure you sell your house for the best price. From improving your curb appeal to clearing out your clutter, follow these tips before putting your home on the market to make sure you get the most you can for it.
Focus on your curb appeal
Considering the curb appeal of your property is vital when it comes to selling your house. Curb appeal is the attractiveness of your property when viewed from the street, so take a walk down the sidewalk and try to assess the curb appeal of your home as honestly as possible. Tidy your lawn, making sure you trim any overgrown trees or vegetation that might be blocking the light or view to your home or making the approach look unkempt. Look carefully at the condition the outside of your house. Is the paint peeling or does the roof need re-tiling? If the outside could do with some care, it is worth the investment. For example, exterior house painting can transform the look of your property, instantly increasing the curb appeal. Make sure the approach of your house is as appealing as it can be, that way any potential buyers will already fall in love with your home before even setting one foot inside the door.
Renovate
If you are thinking of renovating to try and increase the selling potential of your home, then opt to re-do either your kitchen or your bathroom, as these rooms are two of the critical areas that buyers look at first. If you are going to remodel your kitchen, try to choose a look that will appeal to a variety of people and one where you will recoup your investment. It means you should steer away from an unusual color scheme or very expensive fittings as this may not pay off. Instead, go for neutral colors so buyers can put their own mark on the space, and adding a few unusual features can boost your selling potential. For example, under cabinet lighting can increase the atmosphere and feel of the space or a pull-out pantry cupboard can add value.
Similarly, bathrooms are an area where it pays to spend on renovating as you can often recoup all the costs in the sale of your home. Again, go for neutrals and try to think of what will have mass appeal when choosing fixtures.
Increase your floor space
Increasing your floor space can add value to your home. Prime areas to look at are any unused attic or basement space, which you could convert into living space. Increasing your floor space gives you and any potential buyers more flexibility with your home. Try to make sure you are not too prescriptive in how to use the room to provide further appeal. For example, a basement conversion could be a games room, a living room, a home office or a bedroom.
Prepare for your open house
It may seem obvious, but it is worth stating: take the time to adequately clean your house from top to bottom before you put it on the market for viewings. Dust that has built up over the years on top of picture frames or cobwebs in the corners of the rooms may go unnoticed on a day to day basis but will be sure to be noticed by potential buyers and may harm your sale. A dirty or untidy house can give the impression that the home has not been cared for or looked after and it may leave viewers wondering about the state of all the things they cannot see, such as the plumbing or appliances.
Moving home is an ideal time to sort through and get rid of any clutter that may have accumulated over the years, from paperwork you no longer need to books that are never read and clothes that no longer fit. Why not take the time before you sell to clear out your clutter, sorting unwanted items into piles to donate to goodwill or give away to friends or those who may need them. Then, when it comes to the day you sell your home, surfaces will be clear, and cupboards won’t be full to bursting with items. Store away anything you have left that still looks untidy, for example in an attic space, in wardrobes, or under beds. You want your home to appear as spacious and clutter-free as possible.
Once your home is neat and tidy, take the time to de-personalize each room. Remove any intimate photographs or items that personalize your home to you and your family. Try to make it as blank and neutral a canvas as possible as this will help any potential buyers to see themselves living there and to visually imagine their items lining the shelves or hanging on the walls.
Focus on the little details on the day of your open house. The realtor tip of having a tray of freshly baked cookies in the kitchen is based on evidence that the right smells can indeed help to sell your home. If baking is not for you, then instead opt for scented candles, reed-sticks or plug-ins to give a fresh and welcoming aroma to your house. Scents such as vanilla, cinnamon, orange, basil, and cedar are all said to promote feelings of warmth that will subconsciously make potential buyers feel at home and want to stay longer in your house. Display freshly cut flowers in vases throughout your home, and have fresh fruit neatly piled in a fruit bowl in the kitchen, all helping to make your property appear homely and increase the chances of you getting a right price for your home.
