Are you looking to sell your home but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Selling a home can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and advice it can be a lot easier. In this blog post, we will discuss some expert insights on how to sell your home for top dollar and where you should be spending your energy. So whether you’re just starting the process or you’re already in the thick of it, read on for some helpful advice!
The first impression is the only impression aka Curb Appeal
This is what potential buyers will see when they drive up to your home, so make sure it’s spotless! Power wash the siding and walkways, touch up any chipped paint, trim the bushes, and add a few fresh potted plants by the front door for color. In short, make your home look like one that would be featured in a magazine! I like to think of the front of your home as the welcome mat as buyers pull up.
Light it up! Have bright lighting throughout your house
The only person interested in a dark home is Dracula and last time I checked he was not actively in the market so it’s important to make sure your home is well-lit when buyers come to see it. This means opening up all the curtains and blinds and turning on all the lights. You want buyers to be able to see every nook and cranny of your home. Natural light is always a plus so if you have skylights or large windows, make sure to take advantage of them. According to staging and design experts you should select bulbs that have warmer hues, which are more flattering to skin tones and a pet peeve of mine, not having matching color lightbulbs, make sure they are all the same color bulb.
Empty out your closets
Half-empty closets make closets look larger and give the illusion of storage space. It’s important to declutter your home before putting it on the market. This means getting rid of any personal items, old shoe boxes, jackets that are oversized and anything that could make your closet look cluttered and a lot smaller. You want buyers to be able to imagine themselves living in your home and that starts with having enough storage space.
Make your home look its best with repairs, touch ups and paint
It’s important to make sure your home is in tip-top shape before listing it. This means fixing any cracks, holes or damaged drywall and making sure the paint is fresh and clean. You want buyers to be able to see themselves living in your home and that means making it look its best. A little bit of elbow grease ahead of time can make your house sparkle. Don’t forget those wet areas, re-caulk those sinks, tubs and showers for a clean feel and look.
Staging is your home’s best friend
Staging your home is one of the most important steps in selling your house for top dollar so that grandma’s chair needs to go! This means making sure your furniture is current and arranged in a way that makes sense and is aesthetically pleasing. You also want to make sure there are no personal items out in the open. This includes family photos, knick-knacks, your Hummel collection and anything else that might make your home look cluttered. Buyers want to be able to imagine themselves living in your home and that means having a clean slate to work with. A wise man once said: the cost of staging is never as much as your first price reduction.
Last Step: Negotiate smartly with potential buyers
The negotiating phase is often the most stressful part of selling a home for homeowners – for me it’s one of my favorite steps. Once we’ve found a buyer who loves your home and is willing to pay an agreeable price – now it’s time to negotiate repairs, inspection reports, closing costs and closing date. Here are a few tips: don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, if you need a rent-back, negotiate that into the offer. If there are multiple parties interested, let the buyer know as this will increase your negotiating power. Be prepared to compromise and know what terms are the most important to you.
Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. Just remember to stay calm, be flexible, and always put your best foot forward. If you follow these expert tips, you will be on your way to successfully selling your home for top dollar. Good luck!
