LIFESTYLE

What to Do Before Putting Your House on the Market

Before you put your home on the market, you’ll want to be sure it’s looking its best. Selling a home requires much more than simply putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard and uploading a few photos, particularly if you’re looking to maximize profits, and who isn’t?

While it will take some work, by following these steps, you’ll significantly increase your chances of getting that solid offer – perhaps even higher than the number calculated after asking the all-important question, “What is my home worth?”

Declutter and Start Packing

If your rooms are filled with clutter, it will make them look smaller, and it will be difficult for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the home. The first step in the preparation process is to start decluttering, going through each room one at a time, donating, or tossing items you don’t really need. While you do so, start packing items you don’t use on a daily basis, including personal decor, family photos, and the like. Not only will it make your home more appealing, but you’ll be getting a head start on your upcoming move.

Make It Shine

Cleanliness is a must, implying that your home has been well taken care of. Once it’s decluttered and you’ve packed away all those personal items. It’s time to start scrubbing, making each room sparkle. Be sure to have any carpets and rugs cleaned – you’ll want to be as thorough as possible. If the task is too much to do yourself, it’s usually worth the money to hire a professional cleaning company.

Utilize the Services of an Interior Designer

It might pay off big to hire an interior designer for just an hour – the average rate is $100 to $200 an hour, and it will be well worth the cost to get ideas for needed improvements. Even small changes like repainting rooms in paint colors that are best for setting a mood and rearranging furniture can make a significant improvement in the feel and look of your home.

Make It Smart

The more up-to-date your home is, the better. Many buyers today are looking for more high-tech homes that are energy efficient to lessen the impact on the environment and reduce utility bills. If you don’t have them already, consider installing smart appliances – they not only use less energy, but they can even provide feedback on how much energy is being used to monitor consumption. You can make your home smart by equipping it with electronic devices that are controlled remotely, using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, such as the lighting, heating and cooling, and door locks.

Curb Appeal

It’s not just the inside that needs sprucing up – you’ll want to make sure the exterior of your home, including the yard, is looking neat and attractive. Get the weeds pulled, remove any debris, including loose tree branches and dead plants, and keep the lawn mowed and watered. If your front door is looking shabby, replace it or paint it, and while you’re at it, if you have a porch, add some potted plants to give it a more welcoming feel.