When you’re selling your home, you’ve got so much to do! Minor repairs and updates, clearing closets and cabinets of clutter, staging, choosing a Realtor, deciding on as asking price, and, of course, dreaming of getting your “big check.”
So in the midst of all of that, it’s understandable that some things just get overlooked. If you’re thinking of selling your home soon, don’t forget to do these five important things … and of course No. 6, which is to call us!
1. Give your home the Yelp treatment
You’d be amazed at the small things that can turn a buyer off. A doorbell that doesn’t work, a garage door that squeaks, missing window screens – all of these are minor problems, but they can leave a bad taste in the mouth of prospective buyers. Go through your home and imagine it as a hotel you’re staying in. How would you rate it on Yelp? Better yet, get a friend to come over and do it for you. They’ll notice things that you overlook because you see them every day.
2. Clean inside everything
Prospective buyers are going to open your cabinets and closets and cabinet drawers. While potential buyers generally understand that you’re still living in your home (& therefore the junk drawer STILL exists!), having dirty or exploding drawers and closets can be a turn-off. Make sure everything is as inviting on the inside as it is on the outside. Yes, even your silverware drawer needs to be organized. Yes, you need to vacuum INSIDE your closets. Clean your aquarium. Hide the embarrassing stuff under your bathroom counter. People who visit your home are looking to make one of the biggest purchases of their lives. While everything doesn’t have to be spotless, don’t let your home’s hidden areas send your home shoppers running for the door.
3. Google your address
90% of all buyers look for homes online, so it’s a good idea to make sure all the information you can find about your home online is correct. Websites like Zillow can give an estimate of your home’s value, but if the details about your home are wrong, the estimate will be, too. Also, the Google street view of your home may miss recent upgrades. If so, you’ll want to mention that in your home listings so potential buyers will know ahead of time that what they see on Google is different from what they’d see in real life.
4. Make a list of everything that does not convey
Most every purchase agreement says that anything that is attached to the house (wall, ceiling, outside, etc.) is sold with the house unless stated otherwise in the contract. So if you want to
keep the flat-screen TV that’s mounted in the living room, your grandmother’s antique chandelier, or those handmade towel rods, you’d better make a list of exclusions now so you don’t end up in an argument (or court) later.
5. List all the improvements you’ve made to the home
Buyers love to know that they won’t have to worry about costly repairs for a while if they buy your home. That’s why you should go through your house and write down every improvement you’ve made. A new furnace, roof, plumbing, and other big-ticket items are especially tempting to prospective buyers. Plus, showing that you’ve invested time, money, work and love shows that you truly care about the home (and therefore have probably taken great care of it).
6. Call a great Realtor (like us!) who will walk you through all of the above steps
You want the advice of a seasoned Real Estate professional to maximize your home sale profit. Call us today and we’ll do our very best to earn your business. You’ll be surprised to learn about all we have to offer.
