You ultimately only get one chance to make a good first impression in real estate. The days on market start ticking once your home’s listing goes live. In a world where access to so much information comes so easily through the Internet, buyers will punish a seller whose home has been on the market for many months. If you can’t make the effort to get your home in tip-top condition, it is best to hold off on listing it.
Preparing your home rarely happens in one weekend. It takes careful time and and planning. If you intend to sell your home this spring, here are a few steps you need to take now.
Inspection
Although it may seem counter-intuitive to spend money on a property inspection, you need to know about the condition of your home. If there are issues you need to address — whether they be big or small ones — it is is better to know about them early so you can either remedy them prior to going to market or account for them with a lower listing price.
The last thing any seller wants is for a buyer to uncover flaws once they are under contract. You will get stuck paying more under those circumstances than it would cost you to address the issues now.
Storing Items
As you prepare your home to sell, think of it as an investment and start to see it through the eyes of potential buyers and the market. The less-is-more approach usually applies when you are trying to sell your home.
It is best to put away big furniture and personal items when preparing to sell. Consider storing or putting away all the things you won’t be using until you move into your new home. Make space in kitchen cabinets for items you will need to use daily, but will want to put away for showings.
Improvements
It is common for sellers to make cosmetic improvements before they list. Kitchens and bathrooms ultimately sell your home. It is a good idea to plan ahead and have the bathroom grout cleaned, as well as have some parts of the house painted to give it a fresh look.
Consider cleaning rugs, refinishing hardwood floors or painting kitchen cabinets. Ask your real estate agent for advice and referrals to do the work. There are many inexpensive contractors who can help spruce up your home quickly.
Do Your Research
Buyers today have research in their DNA and will investigate everything they can. Check with your local building department to ensure there are no outstanding issues with your home.
Confirm that property records accurately reflect your home, and prepare to remedy any discrepancy. Be sure your title report is clean, and discuss potential disclosure items with your agent. If there are outstanding issues, banks won’t lend, and you don’t want to jump through hoops at the eleventh hour. Researching early will ensure you are one step ahead of the buyers.
The sale of your home is likely one of your biggest financial transactions. Contact DBL Real Estate today to get an agent on your team early, and make a list of all the tasks you need to complete before listing this spring. Now is the time to start preparing for the sell. Smart planning and a good strategy will make sure you have a quick, painless and profitable home sale.
