Before you list your home for sale there are easy improvements that can make your home stand out from the competition and maximize your sales price.
**PRO TIP** Visit a model home in a new home subdivision to get examples of how your home should look to potential buyers.
Maximize curb appeal
Curb appeal creates a good first impression and it gets buyers excited to see the inside of the home. Be sure your home’s landscaping is immaculate. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and plant flowers. Keep the driveway, sidewalks, and front porch free of debris and power wash them if they look dirty.
Beautify the front of your home
The front of your home should sparkle and welcome buyers inside. Power wash the siding and clean all debris from the gutters. A fresh coat of paint on the front door and shutters, especially in a color that contrasts with the home, will make them stand out. Replace faded address numbers on the house and mailbox. Replace or paint the mailbox if it’s damaged or faded.
**PRO TIP** Buy a new welcome mat. Not only does it complete the feel of the front of your home, it helps to control dirt and mud being tracked into your home.
Make your home appeal to other people
An interested buyer will envision living in your home, where their belongings will go, and how they will use the different spaces. Be sure to help them. Remove knickknacks, photos, and other personal items. Rearrange or remove furniture to make the rooms appear large and versatile. Organize and declutter closets. Be sure that all your paint colors are neutral. The home should feel like a blank canvas waiting for the buyer to personalize.
**PRO TIP** Renting a storage unit is an inexpensive way to help you remove personal items, excess furniture, and general clutter while your home is listed for sale.
Deep clean your home and keep it that way
Nothing makes a buyer feel less at home than being in the middle of someone else’s mess. Before your home goes on the market from the ceiling fans to floors and everything in between, clean your home until it sparkles. Eliminate bad odors and use mild air fresheners as needed. A showing request can come at any time having a daily routine will help alleviate the stress of showings.
**PRO TIP** Strong scented air fresheners and cleaners can be unappealing to buyers. Be sure to use products with appealing and mild scents.
You love your pets but buyers may not
We love our pets; they bring joy into our lives. Unfortunately potential buyers may not love your pets or pets in general. Be sure to keep pet toys, beds, and litter boxes clean and if possible, out of sight. Regularly vacuum up pet hair and pick up pet waste from the yard.
Complete any needed repairs
You want your home to be in the best condition possible. A buyer will notice anything that is loose, broken, or missing in your home. These can make a buyer feel that the home has not been cared for and maintained. Larger issues (ex. a leaky roof, faulty appliances, attic/crawlspace issues) may not be visible to a buyer during their tour but will be discovered during the home inspection and can cause the buyer to cancel the contract.
Before you list your home for sale there are easy improvements that can make your home stand out from the competition and maximize your sales price.
**PRO TIP** Visit a model home in a new home subdivision to get examples of how your home should look to potential buyers.
Maximize curb appeal
Curb appeal creates a good first impression and it gets buyers excited to see the inside of the home. Be sure your home’s landscaping is immaculate. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and plant flowers. Keep the driveway, sidewalks, and front porch free of debris and power wash them if they look dirty.
Beautify the front of your home
The front of your home should sparkle and welcome buyers inside. Power wash the siding and clean all debris from the gutters. A fresh coat of paint on the front door and shutters, especially in a color that contrasts with the home, will make them stand out. Replace faded address numbers on the house and mailbox. Replace or paint the mailbox if it’s damaged or faded.
**PRO TIP** Buy a new welcome mat. Not only does it complete the feel of the front of your home, it helps to control dirt and mud being tracked into your home.
Make your home appeal to other people
An interested buyer will envision living in your home, where their belongings will go, and how they will use the different spaces. Be sure to help them. Remove knickknacks, photos, and other personal items. Rearrange or remove furniture to make the rooms appear large and versatile. Organize and declutter closets. Be sure that all your paint colors are neutral. The home should feel like a blank canvas waiting for the buyer to personalize.
**PRO TIP** Renting a storage unit is an inexpensive way to help you remove personal items, excess furniture, and general clutter while your home is listed for sale.
Deep clean your home and keep it that way
Nothing makes a buyer feel less at home than being in the middle of someone else’s mess. Before your home goes on the market from the ceiling fans to floors and everything in between, clean your home until it sparkles. Eliminate bad odors and use mild air fresheners as needed. A showing request can come at any time having a daily routine will help alleviate the stress of showings.
**PRO TIP** Strong scented air fresheners and cleaners can be unappealing to buyers. Be sure to use products with appealing and mild scents.
You love your pets but buyers may not
We love our pets; they bring joy into our lives. Unfortunately potential buyers may not love your pets or pets in general. Be sure to keep pet toys, beds, and litter boxes clean and if possible, out of sight. Regularly vacuum up pet hair and pick up pet waste from the yard.
Complete any needed repairs
You want your home to be in the best condition possible. A buyer will notice anything that is loose, broken, or missing in your home. These can make a buyer feel that the home has not been cared for and maintained. Larger issues (ex. a leaky roof, faulty appliances, attic/crawlspace issues) may not be visible to a buyer during their tour but will be discovered during the home inspection and can cause the buyer to cancel the contract.