10 Tips To Prepare Your Home To Sell

 10 Tips To Prepare Your Home To Sell

1. Stick To Your Decision To Sell 

You may have a sentimental attachment to your home, especially if you have lived there for a long time. Once you have made the decision to sell and move to your next chapter in life, stay focused on your goal and take the steps to continue forward. 

2. Hire An Experienced Realtor  

Find a knowledgeable and experienced Realtor with whom you connect and will make your needs and best interest top priority. Make sure they have great communication skills and provide you a specialized marketing plan for your individual property.  

3. It's All About Curb Appeal

As they say, you get one chance to make a good first impression. Make sure your lawn is mowed, bushes are pruned, and the landscaping makes buyers want to stop and take a look. Spruce up your flower beds and make sure to remove unsightly weeds.  

4. Declutter and Clean

Excess furniture, magnets on your refrigerator and knick-knacks distract from showing the best your home has to offer. Put away or donate extra items. You may want to consider a short term storage unit. Clean the house from top to bottom until it sparkles. Call the pros if needed.

5.  Remove Personal Items

Remove all family photos, memorabilia and other personal items so that the buyers can picture themselves living in your home. Remove political and religious items, your children's artwork and anything that marks the house as your territory instead of neutral territory. You want buyers to see your property as a home for their family. 

6. Let There Be Cool Air and Light

Make sure your home is properly cooled before every showing. Open all the blinds and curtains and turn on all the lights in every room and closet so that buyers can see and enjoy everything your home has to offer. Trim overgrown bushes around the windows to allow additional natural lighting. 

7. Modernize and Freshen Up

Consider buying new pillows or replacing drapes and blinds to give a fresh look to your home. Place live plants in your home and put new towels in the bathrooms to enhance your showings.

8. Organize Closets and Drawers

Messy closets give the appearance that your home doesn't have enough storage space. Organize, declutter and donate or remove things you no longer use or need. 

9. Make Necessary Repairs

You want your home to be in the best condition possible to sell for top dollar and quickly. Buyers may make "low ball" offers if they think the property needs a lot of work. Take care of major repairs like a leaky roof or a driveway with potholes that could negatively influence buyers' decisions. Buyers seek updated homes that meet Florida's stringent construction and hurricane codes.

10. Make Your Home Smell Wonderful

When showing the home, fill it with inviting smells by putting out fresh flowers, infusers or candles. Hide the litter box and spray air neutralizer throughout your home.