Are you looking to sell your house for top dollar?
As any homeowner knows, selling your home is a major financial transaction, and it’s natural to want the very best price for your property. But how do you get top dollar for your home? The problem is:
Many sellers don’t properly prepare their house to sell.
The result? Lower offers, longer time on market, and money left on the table. But the good news is that preparing your house to sell doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. You can use these 10 steps to get your house in top condition to sell.
Table of Contents
In this blog post:
- Why home preparation matters
- Essential repairs to make
- The art of home staging
- Pricing your home right
Home Preparation Matters
Preparing your house to sell is one of the most important things you can do as a seller.
Why? Most home buyers make emotional decisions based on first impressions when shopping for a new home. The last thing you want is for buyers to feel like they need to “do work” in your home. If it looks move-in ready with neutral decor and curb appeal, they’re more likely to pay full price for it.
Home preparation is also where you should focus on making repairs and updates that will give you the best return on your investment when selling your home.
Working with experts at StrykCam can help you evaluate your home and decide where to invest your money.
So what are the most important home preparation steps you should be taking? We’ll go through the most important ones.
The First Impression Counts
First impressions matter, and the outside of your home is the very first thing buyers see.
Your curb appeal sets the tone for the rest of the home, and if it’s unappealing, buyers may assume the interior is just as bad. Don’t make them form a negative opinion before they’ve even walked through the door.
Paint front door, manicure lawn, trim bushes, and tidy entryway. Add a little colour with flowers or potted plants. Make sure your house numbers are visible. These small things can make a big impact on buyer perception.
Major Systems Check
The big-ticket items you don’t want to ignore are:
- HVAC (heating/cooling system)
- Plumbing (leaks, low water pressure)
- Electrical (flickering lights, dead outlets)
- Roof (missing shingles, leaks)
- Doors/windows (damage, drafts)
Be sure these major systems are in good working order before you list your home. These are things that will be costly to fix or turn off buyers completely. According to recent data, 83% of homeowners faced unexpected repairs last year. Don’t let deferred maintenance become a dealbreaker.
Cosmetic Fixes That Matter
Little cosmetic details are easy to fix but make a big impact. Don’t skip these small repairs:
- Small holes in walls (fill with spackle)
- Peeling paint (touch up)
- Broken cabinet handles (replace)
- Dirty window sills (clean)
Furniture left inside the home can obscure the actual size of the rooms. Buyers want to see the space so pack away about 50% of your belongings. Also, personal items can deter buyers who want to envision themselves in the home, so pack away family photos and anything too personal.
A deep cleaning also goes a long way. Buyers will notice if your home isn’t sparkling clean. Don’t underestimate the power of cleaning. Hire professionals if you need to.
The Art of Home Staging
Home staging is staging, after all, can make or break a sale.
Well done home staging makes buyers feel at home in your property and see its potential as their new home. That’s the goal. But be careful not to overdo it or go over budget with staging.
Buyers have a long list of wants and desires when it comes to their dream home. Some of these wants you just can’t check off the list when you sell, like having a pool or a larger backyard.
You can, however, highlight the best features of your home and downplay its flaws with smart staging choices. A well-staged home also shows buyers you’ve maintained the property, which can drive up perceived value. Statistics show that staged homes sell 73% faster than unstaged homes.
Budget-friendly staging tips include:
- Rearrange furniture to improve flow
- Hang light, sheer curtains to brighten rooms
- Add pops of colour with throw pillows and blankets
- Declutter and pack up about 50% of your belongings
- Make your bed with fresh, neutral bedding
The Basics of Pricing Your Home
Pricing is a delicate art and many sellers get this step wrong.
You might think you can squeeze a few more thousand out of buyers by overpricing your home, but all it really does is force your home to languish on the market longer. Don’t overprice and don’t scare buyers away with a huge price tag.
Work with your estate agent to price your home competitively based on recent sales comps. An accurately priced home that’s well-prepared will attract multiple offers and sell in days.
Buyers want a move-in-ready home, and when they see one that’s priced right, they often pay full price or even more. It’s the power of proper preparation.
Marketing Package Essentials
It’s a digital world and most buyers start their home search online.
This means your listing photos absolutely must pop on social media and real estate websites. Hire a professional photographer who specialises in real estate, and if possible, invest in 3D virtual tours and drone footage.
Marketing materials like this can help set your home apart from the competition. Also, good lighting and natural light are your friends. Open all curtains and blinds and make sure your home is bright and sunny.
Final Touches Before Viewing
The night before your first showing, it’s time to double check:
- Open all curtains and blinds
- Turn on all lights (day or night)
- Set the thermostat to a comfortable 22 degrees
- Add some subtle, pleasant scents (think vanilla or citrus)
These small things can make a big difference in buyer perception. Also, remember that scent can linger, so before you open your home to the public, make sure your home smells fresh. Don’t use overpowering scents or strong air fresheners.
Bottom Line
Preparing your home for sale doesn’t have to be a headache.
Focus on the essential repairs, declutter ruthlessly, and stage to show off your home’s potential. Buyers can’t see past clutter and minor issues; use that to your advantage. Show them a pristine, move-in-ready home and you’re far more likely to get the full price offer you’re looking for.
It takes a bit of time and effort upfront, but the sale price and reduced days on market will be well worth it. When buyers walk through your door, they’re not just seeing a house; they’re seeing their future home.
