Selling your home is more than just putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard. It’s about showing your property in the most sellable light. Knowing how to prepare your house for sale will make a world of difference when putting it on the market. This guide will explore 12 actionable tips to help you sell your home faster and potentially even upsell it.
Strategic improvements are the way to go when preparing a house for sale. Whether planning an extensive home renovation or a minor touch-up, these tips will enhance your home’s marketability.
Today’s buyers often seek move-in-ready homes (without the hassle of significant repairs). Naturally, a house in stellar condition is more attractive because it allows buyers to settle in without any immediate headaches. Buyers tend to easily recognize visible problems.
Walk through your property and create a list of all discernible imperfections, even if they seem minor. Then instantly solve issues like replacing broken windows, fixing structural damage, or updating outdated systems. If more significant updates are needed, exploring home renovation financing options might be wise to spread out the costs. All this can transform your home from a fixer-upper to a desirable property.
Completing these renovations before listing gives you greater control during negotiations. Homes with unresolved issues give buyers leverage to demand price reductions or request additional concessions.
Power washing your house is a cost-effective way to improve a home before selling. Start by choosing a suitable power washer. For most homes, a machine with a pressure level of 2,000 to 3,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) will be sufficient to remove dirt, mold, and mildew without damaging any surfaces.
Be sure to use a cleaning solution specifically for exterior surfaces. Many home improvement stores carry biodegradable options that are safe for plants and landscaping.
When power washing your house, focus on key areas that tend to accumulate grime. Begin with the siding, using a broad spray nozzle to evenly distribute the water and cleaner without causing streaks. Move to the driveway, using a higher pressure setting to tackle stubborn oil stains and dirt.
Finally, clean any outdoor decks or patios where mold and mildew often build up. For wooden surfaces, consider using a wood-specific cleaner to preserve the material.
When prepping your property for sale, you might encounter the term depersonalization. It means removing any personal touches you’ve made to your home to create a neutral environment. The goal is to make the space feel less like your home and more like a blank canvas where buyers can envision their lives unfolding.
Tips:
A fresh coat of paint can make your home feel updated and clean. If you’re up for a DIY project, allocate some time to choosing the right color. Neutral tones are the safest bet, and specific shades like Sherwin-Williams’ Agreeable Gray (SW 7029), Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter (HC-172), or Behr’s Swiss Coffee (12) are highly recommended. These colors offer a perfect balance of warmth and neutrality.
Alternatively, you can hire a painting service to save time and ensure all areas are covered. Trims, doors, and windows typically require precision; a professional can make all the difference. Consider companies like CertaPro Painters, which operate all over the United States.
When preparing your house for sale, a common strategy is investing in value-adding improvements. These upgrades aim to boost your home’s general appeal and price point. Don’t overlook the following areas:
Buyers gravitate towards a modern bathroom that combines functionality with contemporary design trends. Consider adding features like a walk-in shower, double vanity, and stylish, sleek fixtures.
Professional Service: Bath Planet
The kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home, and a well-renovated one can do wonders for your home’s value. Key renovations include updating countertops with granite or quartz, installing new energy-efficient appliances, or refacing cabinets.
Professional Service: Kitchen Magic
Another relevant value-adding improvement is updating the living room. Consider installing hardwood floors, updating the lighting fixtures, or adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls. Professionals can help you choose the correct elements to enhance this space.
Professional Service: Empire Today
A home’s front entryway can be a good opportunity to make a first impression. And the good news is that only a few minor updates can prepare the “face” of your home for sale.
Start by giving the front door a fresh coat of paint, drawing inspiration from color ideas found in Homes & Gardens. Clean or replace the mailbox and place a new, neutral welcome mat at the door. Consider updating light fixtures to enhance the ambiance. Finally, add some potted plants for a touch of greenery.
Homeowners with pets or who smoke often become accustomed to odors in their homes, but buyers are not. Odors are the first thing they notice. Unfortunately, air fresheners alone won’t eliminate these smells. To tackle tobacco odors, using a humidifier and opening windows for a few days before a showing can help.
Pet odors, particularly from cat urine, require more extensive measures. Simply opening windows won’t be enough; replacing the carpet and the underlying floorboards might be the way to go, as covering the smell with air fresheners can lead to an unpleasant mix of scents.
Buyers are often interested in storage spaces. By that, we mean they closely inspect closets and cabinets, which means you have to organize.
Here are a few organizational tips to help:
Kitchen cabinets:
Closets:
One of the best renovations before selling can be found outside your home. Here’s how to spruce up your outdoors:
A photographer can take high-quality images and take your home’s appeal to the next level. They are experts with advanced equipment and can work wonders in highlighting your home’s best features. Plus, listings with professional photos attract more online views.
Look into companies like VHT Studios, Real Estate Exposures, Virtuance, and Redfin Photography, which specialize in professional real estate photos.
Modern fixtures can completely transform a room, giving it a fresh, eye-catching look. Thoughtfully placed lighting can be a real selling point, especially in areas where natural light is scarce.
Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for the living and dining rooms. Like the West Elm Sputnik Chandelier, a chandelier or pendant light can be the focal point. Wall scones and table lamps can add additional warmth.
Under-cabinet lights, such as GE Enbrighten LED Under-Cabinet Lights, are ideal for illuminating countertops, while recessed ceiling lights ensure the entire space is well-lit.
In bathrooms, bright, even lighting around mirrors is favored (it’s better for grooming tasks). Vanity lights like Kichler Braelyn Vanity Lights provide balanced illumination, complemented by recessed ceiling lights.
Opt for soft lighting with dimmable bedside lamps such as the Philips Hue White Ambiance Table Lamp for bedrooms.
With a well-maintained HVAC system, potential buyers won’t worry about upcoming repairs. Plus, you will appeal to the energy-conscious by lowering utility costs. Here’s a step-by-step for how to approach a potential upgrade:
If there’s one takeaway from this article, it’s that preparing your home for sale involves many moving parts. These could be small DIY projects like wall painting or significant improvements like replacing HVAC systems. So, next time you inspect your home for any possible repairs, remember that even minor details can make all the difference.
Prepping a house for sale is understandably overwhelming. Questions might arise at any stage, and we’ve compiled the most common. Take a look:
Buyer interest is usually peaked by:
Additionally, location, proximity to schools, and neighborhood amenities can also play a role in what sells a house the most.
Begin by decluttering and depersonalizing each room to create a neutral environment where buyers can easily imagine themselves living. Clean every corner of the home thoroughly, including carpets, windows, and even less apparent areas like baseboards and light fixtures.
Staging is also vital—arrange furniture to maximize space and light and add touches like fresh flowers, soft lighting, and pleasant scents to create a welcoming atmosphere.
In addition to the physical preparation, you should have all necessary documents organized and ready for potential buyers. Key documents to have on hand include:
The amount you should spend to prepare your house for sale can vary depending on its current condition and market expectations. Minor updates like painting, deep cleaning, and landscaping can cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The 30% rule for home renovations suggests that the total expenses incurred during the renovation process should remain within one-third of the original purchase price of the home. So if your house cost is $400,000, you should invest no more than $120,000 in renovations.
