5 Simple Steps to Selling Your Home Quickly
While it may be tempting just to throw up a For Sale sign if you need to sell your home quickly, you may actually be doing more harm than good should there be something about your property that’s a turnoff to a potential buyer. If you’re not sure where to begin, have your real estate agent evaluate your home to see what upgrades are necessary. A seasoned pro can also help you determine the best selling price based on your neighborhood as well as a marketing strategy to help you achieve that goal.
While each home has different pros and cons, here are some of the top line items to consider if you need to sell quickly.
Curb Appeal REALLY Matters…
And by curb we really mean the whole outside of your house, curb or not. First impressions make all the difference when selling your home, and how well you maintain the outside gives potential buyers insight into how well you take care of the inside. Is your patio moss-encrusted and in need of a power wash? Is your deck gray-black from dirt and sun? How about your fencing – not quite as fresh as when you first installed it, huh. Get them cleaned and stained asap… And make the outside of your home beautiful as beautiful as the inside, especially before you take those photos!
Repair The Roof
Be it minor repairs or a complete overhaul, it’s crucial that you tend to your roof — especially if there’s already visible water damage indoors. Of course, major improvements don’t come without a hefty price tag, so you have to determine whether or not you can afford such a project. While taking out a home equity loan is typically a way around the financial commitment, it has to be paid off before you sell the home, so that may not be enough time if you’re trying to sell quickly. It can be hard for a potential buyer to obtain a mortgage for a home with a poor roof, so at the very least, make minor repairs and accept that you may not get the price you are asking for.
Make Sustainable Renovations
Many buyers are looking for sustainability within the design and function of the home — it also sounds attractive in a listing, too. Popular features to consider incorporating into your property include: reclaimed wood or cork flooring, natural lighting (consider adding more windows, French doors, and/or skylights), recycled surfaces, eco-friendly paint, LED lighting, green roofing, draft-proofing, fireplaces and low-flow bathroom appliances.
Update The Kitchen
A remodeled kitchen continues to be one of the top home remodeling projects to increase the value of your home and attract buyers. The bigger the better, so if you have the budget and the floor plan to expand (think adding an island, more countertop and cabinet space), consider doing so. Even if major construction is not in the cards, there are several projects that can make an impact. For example, install hardwood flooring (or vinyl if you can’t swing the cost), paint your cabinets, update the hardware and lighting fixtures, put in a decorative backsplash, replace existing countertops with granite or quartz and paint the walls.
Dress The Windows Well
Your home’s window treatments, including blinds and curtains, play an essential role in the feeling of the home. Old, outdated curtain panels or dog-chewed slats on blinds can make an otherwise cheery room a dreary room. Make sure your window treatments fit the style of the space and allow plenty of natural light to enter.
Hire A Professional Stager
It’s not uncommon for an agent to suggest that you hire a professional stager to remove, replace, and/or arrange furniture to make the rooms look larger and to improve traffic flow. They’ll also bring in accessories for added appeal. One of the first things a pro will tell you is to declutter and depersonalize, so save yourself some time by disposing or donating any superfluous items — and pack away those family pictures and hobby-specific decor. You can search for a home stager here.
Not every project has to cause you financial strain. There are several budget-friendly preparations such as cleaning up your yard (mowing the lawn, picking the weeds, etc.), painting the interior, buying a new shower curtain, hanging fresh towels in the kitchen and bath, refinishing the tub, regrouting the tiles and making sure your house is as clean as whistle.
Invest in an efficient vacuum cleaner so it’s easy to keep your home “hotel” clean before open house day. If you have a pet, you will need to make sure that you regularly make a clean sweep of any pet dander, especially for any interested homebuyers who might have allergies. If you need to purchase an appliance quickly, refer to this guide on some affordable models.
These may seem like small touches, but they can have a big impact on how fast your property sells! Good luck and happy selling!