Thinking of Selling? 5 Tips to Get Ready to Sell

Tips to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

If you’ve been living in your current home for awhile, it’s overwhelming to think about how to get your home ready for showings once you’ve decided it’s time to sell your home. Maybe you’re not ready to contact your Realtor just yet, but you need to do something to get you towards being ready to make that call. Here are some simple things that will go a long way to being (or feeling) more ready.

Organize all your closets

If your closets are jam packed this makes buyers think there is not enough storage in the house for them. Remove any unwanted items, donate them if they are still in good condition. This does double duty for you, one it helps you declutter, two it keeps you from moving things you no longer need. 

Next, try to pack half of what’s left in the closet, things you still want but might not need between now and moving day (out of season clothing, extra bed sheets etc.). Again this does double duty you are already packing and the closets will show well to buyers (they will open closets to check out the space). This way the buyers can visualize having enough room to store their things. 

Consider having an inspection

If you want to head off any potential issues before you have an accepted offer and are nervous about what might be found during an inspection, consider hiring an inspector. This way any major issues can be rectified before being listed.

In Ohio if you are paying an inspector they must be licensed by the state of Ohio. You can go here and here to find licensed inspectors. You can also contact a Realtor to get a list of inspectors in your area they recommend.

Paint

Fresh paint always makes a space feel cleaner and brighter. Neutral colors are still king when getting ready to sell. Greige, beige, white and gray are big neutrals in 2023.

Make sure you prep before painting, tape off areas you don’t want painted. Don’t just paint over already chipping paint. Scrape off chipping paint and sand it before repainting to ensure a smooth surface that does not just continue to chip off. 

Deep Clean

Do a thorough cleaning in each room. Wipe down walls, baseboards. Disinfect sinks, bathtubs and showers. Clean the refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, oven and windows inside and out. Dust every surface. Vacuum upholstery, rugs and curtains. 

Any unfinished projects?

Finish any projects on the home you’ve been meaning to get back to. If you want the most money out of your home these will need to be completed. Otherwise buyers will see this as an option to offer less during contract negotiations, since they already know there are projects they will need to finish upon move in.

Bonus Tips: 

Remove personal items and knick knacks. Most buyers have a hard time seeing themselves in a place with personal family photos and your favorite collections displayed.

Smell is a strong sense that can help sell your home. Clean fresh scents are the best. Lemon and lavender are my favorites. Some like the scents of “fresh linen”. Whatever you choose make it light and not overpowering.

Want more information? Contact me at Carrie.Gamble@cbrealty.com