During the resale of a home, diligent marketing and negotiations by your real estate agent are crucial, but they are only one part of the equation. When you’re selling a home in Encinitas, you should go the extra mile to make your home as presentable and appealing as possible to potential buyers. Taking care of these eight items can help you to sell your property quickly and maximize your closing price.
1. Landscape
Unkempt landscape may cause potential buyers to believe you haven’t taken care of your home, and this perception can dissuade people from making offers. During the resale process, mow your lawn and trim your hedges regularly to keep greenery tame and polished. Use this opportunity to add new plants, including colorful flowers or bushes. These touches make a fresh first impression that will set the stage for effective showings.
2. Make Repairs
When you move into a new home, the last thing you want to do is perform repairs. Your house can become much more appealing to buyers if you take on those necessary fixes yourself. It’s possible that some issues may be uncovered during a home inspection, and you might be required to fix them before moving ahead with the contract anyways. You can save yourself this stress and encourage higher offers by doing repairs ahead of time.
3. Deep Clean
No one wants to think about dirt and grime left over from the previous homeowner. A deep clean makes your house seem brand new for the next occupant, and removing offensive odors and stains will ensure that you’re putting your best foot forward. Focus on the following key areas:
- Dusty nooks and corners
- Plumbing fixtures
- Appliances
- Countertops
- Floors
Though your furniture will likely be coming with you, it’s a good idea to wipe down or vacuum these pieces as well. Cleanliness overall can greatly enhance your home’s presentation.
4. Repaint
You’ve likely personalized the rooms in your home with your favorite paint colors and treatments, but some buyers may not share in your style. Homeowners want a blank slate to which they can add their own flair; choosing a nice neutral to repaint allows potential buyers to put their own imaginations to work.
If your walls are already fairly neutral, a fresh coat of paint still isn’t a bad idea. Over the years, the surface may have been chipped or scuffed, and it might even appear dull. Repainting can make a room feel like new!
5. Remove Personal Items
There are obviously many things you’ll need to continue living in your home as it sells, such as toiletry items or office supplies, but it’s a good idea to tuck them neatly away in cabinets or drawers during showings.
Take down personal photographs, bulletin boards or household calendars. Personal items like religious décor, sports memorabilia, or anything else in which your buyers may not share your preferences, should be minimized or put away. Remember to clean up the surface of the refrigerator, too, removing things like coupons, magnets or pictures!
6. Launder Linens
Fabric alone won’t sell your home, but clean, fluffy linens can make the home more calming and comfortable. Fresh bathroom linens, including full-sized towels, hand towels and bathmats spruce up the environment and make it more inviting. Take a day and launder items throughout your house:
- Towels
- Bedding
- Curtains
- Throw blankets
- Pillow cases
As you prepare house to sell, consider the tasks you might perform if you were welcoming a guest to stay in your home. Fresh linens make visitors want to stay.
7. Prioritize Curb Appeal
The first thing buyers see when they view your home is the exterior. To improve your home’s curb appeal, make sure the yard is clean and empty. You can freshen up siding by repainting it, and stone or brick can undergo a power wash. Small touches, such as planters, welcome mats or benches can give a front porch a more hospitable feel. Make sure your buyers want to come inside based on what they see outside!
8. Organize
Potential buyers want to get a feel for your home’s storage options, so they may peek into closets, cabinets and drawers to see what the house has to offer. An accumulation of junk can quickly turn people off! Additional shelving and storage bins are a good investment to help bring order to the chaos of everyday life, and they can give your living areas the impression of greater storage capacity.
You’ll be amazed by the transformation your home can undergo when you take these crucial steps. Freshening up your property will help buyers visualize its potential and imagine their own future in your home. If you’ve got your home in tip-top shape to hit the market, or if you’re just thinking about your options, contact us today to learn more about selling a home in Encinitas.
