How to Prepare to Sell Your House

In today’s buyer’s market, sellers are often having a lot of trouble selling their homes and often they are on the market for months.  Here are some basic steps to prepare to sell your house as quickly as possible.

First, have your home appraised.  A realtor can often help you with this, but you want to figure out what a realistic price for your home might be at the time you are trying to sell.  Remember, it may be less than you paid for it. 

Don’t throw it up on the housing market with an inflated price, just to “see” if it will sell.  Any interested buyers might not take a second look at your home if they see the inflated price. 

Next, clear all the clutter out of your home and make sure it appears neutral.  Buyers want to be able to picture themselves in your home.  Most want a home they will be able to move into right away. 

Put away any “knick knacks”, figurines, trophies, etc. that you have on display.  Also, paint any walls that are loud colors neutrally with a white or beige color.  This includes any pinks, reds, blues, greens, or bright yellows.  Consider taking down any wallpaper.

Next, while your house is on the market for sale, you’ll have to be ready for a prospective buyer to take a tour on the spur of the moment.  Keep your house clean. 

Make sure all baseboards, dust bunnies (under beds, furniture, in corners, on fans or light fixtures), and any spider webs are cleaned. 

Pay special attention to any bathrooms.  Make sure these are immaculate at all times and do not have toothbrushes, hairbrushes or curling irons lying out.

Finally, “stage” your home.  For this, you can hire a professional house stager, or you can do it yourself.  Arrange all furniture in a neutral flowing pattern where people can see themselves spending time. 

Make sure each room’s use is clearly defined (i.e. dining room, sitting room, etc.).  Using these simple steps, your home should be in tip top shape to be on the housing market and should sell and quickly as possible, good luck!

Tip:  If someone is in your home touring, don’t hover, even if you are giving the tour.  Step back and let them get a feel for the house.

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