Chasing the top dollar for your home can seem overwhelming when first thinking about listing your house on the market. There are several steps that you, as the homeowner, can take to prepare your property for sale at an optimal price.
First impressions are crucial, so ensure your home's curb appeal grabs attention and elicits a positive reaction instantly. Cleaning up the landscape, a new doormat, freshly power washed sidewalks, and refreshing the outdoor lighting can help encourage clients to schedule a showing while perceiving the home as well maintained.
Pricing the home right from the start is another major aspect of listing your house on the market. Your agent should consider the neighborhood sales, the condition of the home, and the location. If the market is competitive during the time your listing is going live then this is also something to consider. Smart pricing will generate attention and multiple offers. Ultimately, clients decide the price of their home, but we urge them to consider their agent's suggestions.
Potential buyers want to visualize themselves in the homes they are looking at, which is why it is so important to depersonalize and declutter as much as possible during the prelisting time. Prior to taking photographs, we highly recommend that you go through each room and remove any personalized items so that potential buyers can envision themselves in each space. Clients frequently form emotional attachments by envisioning future life events in their prospective home, which can influence their decision to place offers.
If you’re struggling with what to update prior to listing your home, we encourage our clients to focus on the small updates that can make a substantial improvement. Minor improvements such as painting, repairing leaking faucets, updating hardware, and cleaning light fixtures can significantly enhance the home's appeal and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Catching top dollar for your home when selling is about being strategic, thoughtful, and intentional. By focusing on your real estate agent’s expertise on the market, curb appeal, and minor repairs you can approach pricing your home with the best possible outcome. With a strong strategy and preparation, your home will not just sell, it will shine!