June 2016 – Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore

So you’re thinking about selling your home, but you’re not sure where to start. You want to get the highest price possible, but you know the real estate market is competitive and your home will have to stand out. Almost every seller has some staging and preparations to do before listing their home for sale, but where should you focus your time and money? What are the most important items to take care of before putting your house on the market, and what will get you the most bang for your buck?

It’s no secret that a home that has been prepared for the market will sell faster and for more money, so where do you start? It’s a good idea to think about these things before listing your home, rather than responding to feedback from potential buyers once your home is on the market, because you’ll never get a second chance to make that first impression with a buyer. One of the first things you can do, that is also one of the most simple things, is de-clutter your home and put away anything you’re not currently using, and this includes furniture. “Less is More” really rings true here. Minimizing your belongings in the space can make the home seem larger and more versatile. Think about making each room a “blank canvas” for a buyer to see themselves in: clean magnets and papers off the fridge, clear photos and personal items from the top of tables and counters, and utilize storage systems for the things you can’t put away. De-cluttering your belongings can help a buyer focus on your home, rather than being distracted by your family photos or figurine collection.

Next, we’ll get out our tool belts and see what repair items need addressing before listing your home for sale. As far as repairs go, you’ll first want to fix anything that should be in working condition, but isn’t. You want buyers to have as few objections as possible on their initial walk-through. Is the heat or air not comfortable? Are there plumbing leaks? Do you need to replace light bulbs? Is there any broken glass or trim? These are things that buyers will notice right away, so it’s best to take care of them now before a buyer even views the home. All of these mechanical repairs will come up when a buyer does a home inspection anyway, so why not eliminate them from the list all together?

Now, let’s think about any cosmetic repairs you may need to do. These are items that don’t affect the function or use of the home, but are aesthetically pleasing and attractive to buyers. If you watch HGTV, you know that a fresh coat of paint goes a long way, and can make a huge difference. Whether you have neon green walls you need to cover, or just need to touch up the existing color, painting is one of the most cost-effective “repairs” you can do, and you can often do it yourself! A freshly painted room feels newer and cleaner, and can neutralize a very personalized space. Don’t forget to fill any holes or repair any cracks on the wall before you start, and don’t neglect the trim!

Other cosmetic items you’ll want to think about can be minor, but can really give your home a face-lift and feel more move-in ready to a buyer. Replacing the knobs on your cabinets can give new life to old cabinetry. Weeding the landscaping and adding fresh mulch, especially in the spring and summer, can also make a world of difference. Add some greenery quickly and efficiently by setting potted plants or flowers on either side of the front steps. Carpet can easily get worn out and stained; does yours need to be steam cleaned or replaced before buyers come through? Thinking about these little cosmetic items now will make a buyer feel that your home is more move-in ready when they view it, which will lead to a quicker sale.

Before you put your home on the market, have your Realtor walk through the entire property with you and give you suggestions. He or she will be able to point out items that need your attention, and will help you choose the repairs that will be the more important and will get you the most bang for your buck. Don’t be afraid to ask for contractor recommendations, if needed. Because you are thinking about these things now, you are setting yourself up for success once your home hits the market. Best of luck to you!