Preparing your home for a Spring sale
Selling a house takes preparation and effort. To maximize your profit, you need to make sure your property is in excellent condition, which is why you should prepare your home now if selling a house this Spring is in your plans.
First impressions are extremely important when it comes to selling real estate. Buyers pay particular attention to how long a home has been on the market. If they see a property that has been on the market for a long time, they automatically wonder what is wrong with it. You should not put your home on the market until you have done everything you can to ensure everything is in good condition.
You will need more than a weekend to prep your home for sale, so plan your schedule accordingly. Here is what you should do now if you plan to put your house on the market this spring.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
You need to know where to start and an inspection by a qualified professional will give you the best idea of the current condition of your home. You will want to know about any issues that could ultimately affect the selling price so you can take care of them before you put your home up for sale.
Things will go far worse for you if the buyer signs a contract and then starts discovering problems with the home. You will have to pay more to remedy the situation than you will pay up front to correct any problems before listing you home.
Pack or Store Any Non-Essential Items
Look at your home from the prospective of the potential buyer when you are preparing to show it. Real estate experts tell homeowners to take a minimalist approach when it is time to sell.
Remove any large personal items or pieces of furniture to allow for some open space. Eliminate the clutter by packing up any items you know you will not use before your move. Clear some space in the kitchen cabinets to store small appliances that you use daily and typically keep on the counter.
Plan Home Improvement Projects
You can make many small, inexpensive cosmetic improvements to freshen up the home and make it more visually appealing to potential buyers. Buyers pay particular attention to bathrooms and kitchens, so concentrate your efforts in those rooms. Have the grout cleaned and consider a fresh coat of paint.
Projects to consider to improve the odds of a selling a home include, painting your kitchen cabinets or replacing hardware, refinishing hardwood flooring and cleaning the carpets. You are probably already working closely with a real estate agent. This professional can help you with referrals and advice on what areas to work on. Local contractors can help you get your home ready for sale.
Do Your Research
Buyers today have access to information about your home through the internet. Do your own research on your property to ensure there are no issues you need to deal with before putting your home on the market.
Make sure property records accurately depict your home and do what you have to fix any discrepancies. Your title report should be clean and you will need to discuss any disclosure issues with your real estate agent. Financial institutions will withhold loan approvals if your property has any outstanding issues. Doing research now will eliminate the need to deal with any problems at the last minute.
Selling a house is one of the most complex financial transactions you will ever make. Find a reputable real estate agent and start making a list of the tasks you need to accomplish before your house goes up for sale. It is never too early to prepare. Taking the time now to plan an effective strategy will ensure your home sells quickly and for the best price possible.