Preparing to sell your house might seem like a lengthy and overwhelming process. Nevertheless, if you proactively initiate the preparations well before the moment you decide to display the “For Sale” sign in your yard, you can guarantee yourself sufficient time to transform your home into an attractive and appealing property.
Selling a house involves several stages and can take considerable time to complete successfully. Rather than waiting until the last minute, it is advisable to start the process well in advance. By doing so, you give yourself the opportunity to address any necessary repairs, renovations, or improvements that can enhance the overall appeal and value of your property.
Here are 7 steps to take before selling your house.
1. Interview several real estate agents
This recommendation offers a dual advantage that can significantly benefit you during the process of selling your house. Primarily, it grants you the opportunity to carefully assess and determine which real estate agent aligns best with your specific needs and preferences.
A well-suited agent will not only proficiently handle the necessary paperwork but also initiate the entire sales process with efficiency and expertise.
Choosing the right agent is crucial, as they play a pivotal role in the success of your home sale. A competent agent will act as your advocate, negotiating on your behalf, and ensuring that all legal and administrative aspects are well taken care of.
By working with a reliable and proactive agent, you can gain peace of mind, knowing that your property is in capable hands and that they will diligently guide you through the entire selling journey.
2. Do a housing market research
When you’re in the process of selling your home, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the current real estate landscape is very beneficial.
This involves assessing whether sellers are receiving multiple offers, indicative of a competitive market, or if properties are lingering on the market for extended periods, signaling a more sluggish market.
To understand the market dynamics effectively, one useful approach is to explore properties listed for sale in your vicinity on popular real estate websites like Zillow or Redfin. By observing how swiftly houses are being bought up or how long they remain available, you can grasp the pace at which inventory is moving.
This valuable insight can provide you with a realistic perspective on the demand for homes in your area and the level of competition you may encounter during your own selling journey.
In addition to researching online, your real estate agent can be an invaluable resource in providing a deeper analysis of the market conditions. They can prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) by pulling data on recently sold properties that are comparable to yours in terms of size, location, and features.
This information, often referred to as “comps,” gives you a clearer picture of recent sales prices and how your property’s value stacks up against similar homes in the area.
3. Add value to your house
If improving your home has been on your mind, seize the opportunity now to tackle those long-delayed do-it-yourself projects. Undoubtedly, a well-maintained and updated property can significantly increase its desirability in the real estate market.
Nonetheless, it is important to approach home updates with good mindset, as not all renovations yield the same return on investment. Some projects, like refinishing or replacing old hardwood floors, are considered highly valuable and are likely to pay off when it comes time to sell.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) confirms that such improvements can potentially earn you more than the money and effort you invest in them, making them a wise investment.
On the other hand, certain upgrades, particularly in the kitchen or bathroom, may not yield the same favorable outcomes. While upgrading these areas can undoubtedly improve your living experience and comfort, they may not result in a substantial increase in your property’s value. In fact, such projects could lead to a financial loss when you consider the cost of materials, labor, and other associated expenses.
4. Fix the issues
If your home is experiencing issues like a loose doorknob, a missing cabinet door, or malfunctioning light switches, then it’s time to approach your living space with fresh eyes and keen attention to detail. Take a walk through your entire house and carefully observe any overlooked or previously ignored areas that require fixing. These small but noticeable imperfections, if left unaddressed, can create a negative impression on potential buyers.
Making necessary upgrades and repairs can play a crucial role in presenting your home as well-kept and appealing to prospective buyers. These seemingly minor issues might appear not serious, but they contribute to the overall impression of your property’s maintenance and care.
Fixing loose doorknobs, replacing missing cabinet doors, and ensuring that all light switches are in working order may seem like simple tasks, but they can significantly enhance the overall appearance and functionality of your home.
5. Enhance your landscaping
Aside from addressing any broken or damaged elements outside your home, it’s also wise to pay attention to your landscaping. Investing in an appealing landscape design can significantly impact your home’s value, potentially adding up to 10% to its overall worth.
It’s a relatively simple yet effective way to enhance the curb appeal of your property and create a positive first impression on potential buyers.
You don’t necessarily need to undertake a complete overhaul of your yard to see substantial improvements. Basic landscaping tasks such as trimming trees, removing weeds, and planting attractive flowers can work wonders in giving your place a noticeable facelift. These minor touches can transform outdoor area into an inviting and charming space that appeals to buyers.
6. Repaint
Applying a new layer of paint can work wonders in enhancing the overall appeal of your home, giving it a well-maintained and modern appearance.
If the interior of your home has signs of wear and tear, such as dings or scuffs on the walls, spending time to repaint can be a worthwhile investment. Home design experts suggest that modern homeowners are increasingly drawn to neutral and earthy color palettes, which can create a calming and inviting atmosphere.
The impact of a fresh coat of paint should not be underestimated. It not only covers up any imperfections on the walls but also makes the entire living space look new. By choosing the right colors that complement your interior decor and suit current design trends, you can breathe new life into your home.
7. Deep clean your house
Before putting your house up for sale, it’s essential to pay attention to often overlooked areas such as baseboards, vents, and ceiling fans that might not be cleaned during your regular weekly cleaning routine.
Giving your home a thorough and deep cleaning can significantly enhance its overall presentation and appeal to potential buyers.
If you plan ahead and have enough time before listing your property, you can undertake the deep cleaning yourself. This approach allows you to meticulously clean and refresh your home, ensuring that your home is in top-notch condition when it hits the market.
However, if the process of selling your home becomes hectic and time-consuming, it might be more efficient and practical to hire a professional cleaning service. This way, you can delegate the task to experienced professionals who can swiftly and effectively handle the deep cleaning while you focus on other essential aspects of the selling process.
