Below is my 7 day guide for preparing your home for sale. A step by step plan that will help you prepare your home correctly.
DAY 1: PAPERWORK & KEYS: Your realtor and potential buyers are likely going to ask you a lot of questions about your home, so start digging out paperwork now: appliance warranties, repair or home renovation details, mortgage information, tax records and utility bills. Agents showing your home are going to need access so you will need an extra set of keys for the lockbox. Prepare by having an extra set made now.
DAY 2: BOXES & DUCT TAPE: Reducing clutter is a BIG part of selling your home. So pick up some boxes and start packing away items that you aren’t going to need while your home is on the market. You can place the boxes neatly in the garage or basement. If you are going to be moving a lot of stuff out of your house for the sale, consider renting a POD. You can fill up the POD at your home, it gets taken & stored away, and then delivered to your new home when you are ready to move in. This also puts you 1 step ahead when it comes time to start packing up for your move. Buyers need to envision themselves living in your home so remove all personal items & clutter. Box up the family photos, sport team collections, souvenirs etc.. Buyers are looking at space not things.
DAY 3: WINDOWS, LIGHT BULBS & LIGHT FIXTURES: When selling your home you want it to be as bright as possible. Lighting makes a tremendous difference to how a home looks to potential buyers. Also, if you have dated light fixtures, investing in some new inexpensive fixtures (Home Depot, Lowes, Ikea, Amazon) is a great way to help give your home a more modern look. Next, have the windows cleaned, both interior & exterior.
DAY 4: FRESHEN UP WALLS BY REPAINTING OR DOING TOUCH-UPS: A new can of paint is likely your best investment when it comes to selling your home. Light, neutral colors help small rooms look larger and appeal to buyers. Don’t forget about the baseboards, mouldings & ceilings:) Mr. Clean magic erasers are an easy way to help remove any dirt or marks on the walls.
DAY 5: CLOSETS & STORAGE AREAS: I know it may be tempting to cram everything you don’t want to display into the closets, however, buyers are going to be opening your closets & cabinets. You don’t want buyers feeling there is not enough storage in your home.Pack up the items you aren’t going to be needing and store them with all your other stuff.
DAY 6: MAKE A LIST OF ANY REPAIRS REQUIRED & SCHEDULE A PRE-LISTING HOME INSPECTION: Any leaky faucets, cracked tiles, holes in the walls etc.. All the little things you have been putting off should be fixed. If you are not handy, contact a handyman and schedule a day for him to take care of it. Next, schedule your pre-inspection. You want to be proactive & address any issues upfront that a buyers’ home inspector may find. This can save you time, money & possibly the risk of losing your buyers.
DAY 7: DEEP CLEANING & CURB APPEAL: If you enjoy cleaning, you can do it yourself. If not, make the investment & hire professionals. Don’t forget about the floors as well. If you have carpeting, get it steam cleaned. Now on to the the home’s curb appeal. This is the first thing potential buyers see when arriving at your home so make it look inviting. Invest in some seasonal flowers. I recommend yellow flowers: I always say yellow flowers sell houses! Trust me, these last steps are well worth it. A well presented & cared for home goes a long way for buyers. As the saying goes: You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
The week is now over and you have worked hard! Step back and admire what you have accomplished.
Stressed about doing everything required to get your home show ready? Don’t be! I have partnered with clients to accomplish all this and more in as little as 48 hours.
If you are in the market to sell, contact me to find out how I can help & how I will sell your home quickly at the top of the market.
