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Every seller has two goals when the time comes to sell their home: To sell quickly and to get top dollar. While you probably already know the basic selling home-selling tips — de-clutter, clean, and stage — it takes a bit more preparation to ensure a smooth sale.
Here are the top 10 things you need to do to ready to sell your home.
1. Get an Inspection
Before you set a price and hang that “For Sale” sign, hire an inspector to go through your house with a fine-tooth comb and alert you to any potential issues that may come up. You’ll have a heads-up and the time to fix problems now, before they throw a wrench into a sale.
2. Collect Accurate Estimates
Arm yourself with estimates on how much it’ll cost to fix a leaky roof or replace a water heater ahead of time. Keeping these numbers on hand gives you ammo at the negotiating table, so if a buyer asks for $10,000 off your asking price in order to overhaul the roof, you can counter with an estimate saying repairs only costs half that.
3. De-Personalize
You have a lovely style and an adorable family… but now’s not the time to show them off. Take the family photos off the walls, replace that funky orange paint with a neutral shade, and take the kids’ artwork off the fridge. You want potential buyers to imagine themselves living in your home, and personal items make that difficult.
4. Clean Those Closets
When you’re de-personalizing and de-cluttering, don’t forget the closets. Neatly organized, half-empty closets feel cleaner and bigger… and buyers will snoop, so be prepared.
5. Spruce Up Your Cabinets
Buyers will snoop inside your cabinets too, so take a few minutes to organize. Alphabetizing your spice rack, turning all your mug handles all same way, and neatly stacking plates and glass wear are little touches that have a big impact.
6. Mood Lighting
Swap out bright, white bulbs that starkly illuminate every corner with lower-wattage bulbs that create a soft, cozy glow. Bulbs that emit red- or yellow-toned light tend to be more welcoming and flattering.
7. Let the Daylight In
On the same note, open your blinds, pull back the drapes and let the daylight flow in for an airy, spacious look. Helpful hint: Your windows need to be squeaky clean, inside and out, for this tactic to work, so grab your squeegee!
8. Curb Appeal
While you’re outside cleaning the windows, take in the outside of your home with a critical eye. If the mailbox has seen better days, your sidewalk has cracks, or your trees are in need of a good trim, now’s the time. Remember, if the outside of your house doesn’t look good from the curb, potential buyers aren’t going to want to see the rest.
9. Focus on All Four Seasons
Do you have lovely flower beds that bloom profusely in spring? Is your summer perennial garden a colorful masterpiece? Take pictures of your home’s assets during different seasons and create an album so potential buyers can see what it looks like all year long.
10. Keep it Clean
Give yourself a break and invest in a regular professional cleaning service while your home’s on the market. That way, you’ll save time and energy, and you won’t have to stress over last-minute showings.
Finally, take a deep breath. You’ve taken steps to help ensure a smooth sale and a top price. Relax and enjoy your clean, bright, organized home!
Naomi Findlay is Australia’s renovation royalty and works with people around the country helping them create beautiful spaces with her online courses.
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