How to Get Your House Ready to Sell

When it comes to selling a house, there are a lot of components to consider before you list it on the market. From preparation and renovations to pricing and the housing market temperature, it is important to consider all of your options so you can ensure you get the most out of your investment. But how exactly can you best prepare your home so it is ready to sell?

Today, we will provide you with some tips and recommendations for home selling success so you can enter the real estate market with confidence.

How to start preparing to sell your home

As is the case with most home projects, the more you prepare and the sooner you get organized, the more success you are likely to have. This is especially true when selling your home. The aspects that make a house a dream home come down to individual opinion, but if you take a peek at current listings online, it is easy to notice which ones need some extra care and attention. And the last thing you want when selling a house is to have yours included in that category.

Cleaning, painting, and packing up clutter can feel tedious, but it is important to keep in mind that paying attention to the details is worth it. Even if you are not planning to sell your home for 6 to 12 months, now is the time to get started on any little deferred maintenance projects. That includes fixing any holes in the drywall, caulking around the tub and sinks, and cleaning out clogged gutters.

However, before you start staging your house for pictures, there are three things you should do:

• Find an excellent real estate agent: A reliable agent can make a world of difference in your home selling experience. They should be trustworthy and have specialized knowledge on the local market that will help you determine the best listing price for your area. Interview at least two or three agents and find the one that fits your needs the best. Ask them to come to your home to evaluate and recommend what needs to be done before putting the home on the market. Your real estate agent will be able to provide you with a list of what must be done and what would be nice to do. A good agent will be able to provide rough estimates for repairs and renovations, and have connections to professionals who can get the job done.

• Declutter: Get rid of or pack away any knick-knacks, personal photos, and excess stuff. Your house should be clutter-free and as impersonal as possible. Go for the model home look; neat, clean, and simple. Not only will this help potential buyers envision how they will turn the house into their home, but decluttering can make downsizing easier for you.

• Have a home inspection: It is smart to have an inspection before you put your home on the market and start hosting open houses. That way, you will know what needs to be fixed and will not be caught off-guard when your buyers start inspecting. Getting any deferred maintenance handled ahead of time takes much of the anxiety out of selling. 

You do not have to stress about fixing every nook and cranny, but there are certain things that you will want to have repaired before you put it on the market so a lender will be willing to lend on the property. Here are a few of the top items that can stall a sale:

• An older roof. Although it may not need to be replaced, there could be some spots that need repairing, especially around the vents and any areas that show shingle damage or loose flashing.

• Dry rot will need to be removed in most cases.

• Broken windows or insecure doors.

• Unsafe decking or decks with dry rot will need to be repaired or replaced.

The above list are the things you will need to take care of to help ensure a smooth real estate transaction. However, if you are not in a rush to get your home on the market, then taking the time to invest in some improvements can help increase your home’s value so you walk away with more money in your pocket.

Keep an eye on costs to prepare your house for sale

Before we jump into the various home upgrade projects you can invest in, it is vital that you keep an eye on the renovation return on investment (ROI). Home improvements can be pricey, and you want to make sure that you will be able to get your money back (and then some) when you sell. Consult with your real estate agent when planning any high-cost improvements or major remodeling.

Before planning on what to upgrade, check out the competition. If there are any properties near your home for sale, go to their open houses. How does your property compare? Take a good look at the kitchen, bathrooms, and exterior. For example, replacing your garage door with a modern upgraded version will not only add to the beauty of the exterior of your home, but you may also recoup a good amount of your money.

Ask your agent what home improvements add the most value and spend accordingly. Otherwise, those upgrades will take away from your final profit. A great resource to see the ROI of different projects is the Cost versus Value Report.

Best home improvements to increase value

Probably the hardest thing to do when planning renovations is not over-spending. That is where getting a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can help. Using this line of credit to increase the value of your home is a wise decision as long as you stay on budget. Keep in mind that whatever you spend, you will need to pay off when you sell your home. The challenge is upgrading smart and getting the biggest bang for your buck. 

If you are on a limited budget, here is a list of what home improvements add the most value:

• Curb appeal: Take a look at the front of your home with a discerning eye. What needs attention? Spruce up the landscaping, get the lawn looking nice and green, and add some flowering plants. If the exterior needs painting, have that done. But sometimes, you will only need to paint the trim and front door to give the exterior a fresh new look. Choose colors that are neutral with an accented front door. 

• Minor bathroom renovations: These include painting, replacing the tub if necessary, and removing old shower doors. Take a look at the vanity and sink. Sometimes a coat of paint on the vanity makes all the difference, and you might not have to replace the sink. If the vanity lighting is dated, it is inexpensive to install an updated fixture. How much you spend can vary—do not go overboard. If you watch your budget, you will make your money back and then some. 

• Minor kitchen remodel: Keep an eye on your budget very closely here because it is easy to overspend. If you have a real estate agent already, ask them to look at your kitchen and suggest the best renovations. Popular upgrades include new countertops, modern lighting, or repainting or refacing kitchen cabinets.

Staging your home to sell

One of the best tips on how to sell your home quickly is to invest in staging. It can be money well spent. Professional stagers can make a drab room into something interesting, and a cramped space look open and inviting.

Along with staging, brighten your home in any way you can. If you have dark curtains, replace them with lighter ones if possible. Open the blinds and shades and let the sunshine in. Wash your windows inside and out. Doing those things will make a big difference. Even painting can make a huge difference and freshen up your home inside and out. A good rule of thumb is if something looks old, dingy, or faded—paint it. This includes doors, trims and gutters, exterior siding, walls, and even cabinets.

Buyers tend to pay attention to the little details and the big wow factors. The most important thing to keep in mind is that home renovations are an investment. Do your homework and take the advice of a trusted real estate agent. When you invest wisely and stay on budget, you will have a better chance of getting top dollar for your home.