How to begin preparing your home for sale isn’t just a matter of cleaning up and sticking a sign in the yard. When it’s time to sell your home, there are a lot of things to consider and chances are that you’ve never sold a home or it’s been a while since you last did.

As the market cools and the buyer/seller negotiations become more “normal” again, sellers are back to some of the biggest questions when selling a home: where do I start and what do I fix/update?

1. Make simple repairs

One of the biggest turn-offs for buyers is worn and tear such as chipped tiles, cracked windows, scuffed paintwork, stained carpets, and other obvious signs of damage. These unsightly areas instantly alert buyers that there is work required, which can diminish their initial enthusiasm for your property and lower the price they are prepared to pay.

Discuss with your agent which areas you should overhaul before holding open houses. You want to ensure you are increasing appeal without over-spending.

2. Clean and declutter

Removing lots of clutter makes the prospective buyer able to see rooms properly while making them appear larger.

Cleaning the home, even hidden areas such as under the sink, makes it look well-cared for. This gives the buyer a subliminal impression that the home has been well-maintained and there should be no hidden problems.

3. Style your home

Styling is another instant facelift that can give your home a fresh look that appeals to buyers. You can hire a staging company to take care of this or buy furniture and accessories to do it yourself.

Property staging can modernize a tired home.
When you’re preparing to sell your home, as long as you address any needed repairs, clean, declutter and style it, you’ll be well-set to list, gain buyer interest and get to SOLD quickly.

Article adapted from content provided by Liliana Warr of Showhomes Tampa Bay