BE PREPARED TO LIST YOUR HOME
Preparing to list your home before it goes live on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is essential for creating a strong first impression in the competitive real estate market. This preparation period allows you to address any potential issues, stage the home to showcase its best features, and gather all necessary paperwork for a seamless listing process. By ensuring your home is in its best condition before hitting the market, you increase the likelihood of attracting interested buyers quickly and potentially receiving higher offers.
Things to Consider
You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression
The curb appeal that your home offers is extremely important. Begin with your lawn: fertilize, keep it neat and trim, and always remove ice and snow from steps and sidewalks during the winter.
Your Front Door Is A Welcome Sign To Buyers
Clean and paint it if necessary. A seasonal decoration adds an inviting touch.
Wear & Tear Makes Buyers Uneasy
Minor imperfections that we often overlook in our own homes tend to turn prospective buyers off, as they overestimate the cost of repairs. Faded, scraped walls or scratched woodwork should be restored to good condition. A little paint and furniture polish can greatly increase the appeal of your home.
The Brighter The Better
Clean windows and open draperies highlight your walls and ceilings. By letting in natural light, you are showing buyers how bright and cheery your home can be.
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Avoid Clutter
Buyers have a hard time seeing past clutter. By removing items that you seldom use, you show people the space your home has to offer. Items such as newspapers and toys should be put away. Stairways should be clean and tidy.
A Clean Kitchen Is A Must
Many buyers judge housekeeping based on the condition of the oven and stove. Make sure both look as shiny as possible. Clean the interior and exterior of your dishwasher and refrigerator, clean out your kitchen cabinets. Counters should be free and clean of clutter also.
Sparkling Bathrooms Help Sell Your Home
All tile, grout, and linoleum should be clean. Fixtures should be free of water marks and polished. Open windows for a fresh breeze.
Make Closets Appear Larger
Remove items that can be packed or stored elsewhere. When closets are neat and organized, they seem larger and more enticing to buyers.
Don't Overlook Utility Space
The attic, basement, garage, etc. should be as neat as possible. Remove unnecessary items and brighten walls with a fresh coat of paint. Remove damp, musty smells with a bag of limestone.
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Check Major Repairs
Drain a pail of water from the water heater to remove rust particles, and clean the outside of the water heater, furnace, and any other appliances. Change the filter on the furnace and apply oil to noisy fans. Have furnace serviced if not done in the past 12 months.
Repairs Now Can Mean A Higher Price Later
Buyers usually overestimate the cost of repairs, so it is generally in your best interest to make them yourself. Make sure all doors are on track, and all hardware is firmly in place. Fix leaky faucets, cracked molding, and screen doors off tracks.
Avoid Distraction
Too many people in the home during a showing can distract the buyer from seeing the home’s true value. This applies especially to pets; try to remove the pets from the home during the showing, or at least keep them out of sight.
Leave Discussions To The Broker
Your Broker is trained to increase the buyer’s interest in the property. Therefore leave in-depth questions to his/her discretion.
Twilight Showings
Turn on any outdoor lights and light the interior of the house well to showcase the property.
Sell The House First
Do not attempt to sell the buyer furnishings in the home, as this will distract from the actual home purchase.