Get Your Home Ready to List
Getting ready to sell your home? If you’re wondering what to do to get your home to ready to list, you’ve come to the right place! There are a few things that the Greater Louisville Association of REALTORS recommends before putting that “For Sale” sign in your front lawn. Some of these ideas are surprisingly easy, while others might require a bit more elbow grease.
1. Upgrade curb appeal
Curb appeal has become a buzz word in the housing market, but don’t think it hasn’t gotten that buzz for a reason. This is the very first impression prospective buyers will have when pulling up to your home. Curb appeal can go a long way in enticing them to want to see more. Invest in some relatively easy fixes like planting colorful flowers, using fresh mulch or repainting your front door. Get rid of dead debris that could be making your landscaping look drab.
2. Declutter
Less is definitely more when it comes to getting your house ready to show! Keep the clutter to a minimum. When buyers come into your home they are trying to visualize how their belongings will work in the space. If your house is overflowing with trinkets and clutter it may appear smaller than it really is. Do a sweep of counters, tables, mantles, dressers, bathrooms, etc. and put away any unnecessary items. Take any excess items you no longer need and donate them to a local charity so you won’t to do this chore when it’s time to move.
3. Depersonalize your space
Sometimes personal items can cause a distraction. Personal items, family photos, bold artwork and too much furniture could make your home less appealing to the buyer. By removing or limiting these items buyers can better visualize how they would use the space.
4. Repaint walls to neutral tones
You might love that yellow accent wall, but if it’s your potential buyer’s least favorite color, it could hurt your sale. Lighter neutral colors are the best way to go, so before you list, go head and pick out a great neutral and get painting!
5. Touch up scuff marks
An easy way to make your home sparkle and look well cared for is it to pay special attention to scrubbing and touching up baseboards, walls, and doors. It is a simple task, but it makes a big impact.
6. Fix loose handles
Fix your loose handles, burned out and missing light bulbs, or anything that isn’t opening or shutting correctly. This can have a negative effect when showing a home and can make a buyer wonder what else might be broken.
7. Pass the smell test
No one wants to think that their house smells. However, foul odors, even very slightest ones, can be a deal breaker. Have an unbiased person over to try to detect any pet smells or lingering odors. You may need to do some deep cleaning if smells are present, because buyers are well aware of “smell masking techniques” like candles and plug in deodorizers.
8. Clean it up
Sounds like a no-brainer, but we can’t say it enough! Make your home to look spotless. When your home is clean, it’s like it is putting its best foot forward and it makes all the difference at a showing with potential buyers.
9. Find a great REALTOR
Many homeowners ponder if they can sell their home themselves and save the money they would otherwise pay an agent. Though this could be tempting, you would be missing out on all of the potential home buyers that REALTORS will bring your way. REALTORS also know what is currently going on in the housing market and can guide you through the entire listing and selling process. With that being said, don’t blindly hire just any agent. Do some research and interview a few agents to find a knowledgeable REALTOR that is the right fit for you.
The Greater Louisville Association of REALTORS® (GLAR) is the “The Voice for Real Estate” in the Greater Louisville Area. As the local arm of America’s largest trade association, the National Association of REALTORS®, GLAR represents more than 4,000 members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. GLAR organizes advocacy efforts on legislative issues that impact the real estate profession and homeownership, offers professional development and continuing education opportunities, and coordinates community service projects throughout the year so its members can give back to the community where they live and work. For more information, visit louisvillerealtors.com.
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