7 Things to fix before selling your house

If you’re hoping to sell your home, there are several things you’ll want to do to make sure everything looks as good as possible to a potential buyer. Whether you’re listing with a realtor, selling your home yourself, or looking for cash home buyers, you’ll want to adequately prepare your home ahead of time. There are seven important things to fix before selling your home.

1. Increase Curb Appeal

First impressions are extremely important. Things like cleaning up the drive, fixing the mailbox, and planting flowers next to the front porch can make a big difference in how your home will look to potential buyers. An easy but effective trick for making your house stand out is to paint the front door. A bright color can make the front of the house pop out. Make sure to choose a color that goes well with the shutters and the rest of your exterior. It’s also a good idea to keep the garage door down and any vehicles parked inside the garage if possible.

2. Mow the Lawn

This is a simple yet effective way to prepare your home and make it more appealing to any potential buyer. Tall grass and a messy yard will almost instantly bring down the value of your home. If you’re hoping to sell the house during the summer months try to water the lawn sufficiently at least a few days before any potential buyers come to look at the house. A brown, dingy lawn could possibly drive down the overall value of your home. Also make sure to trim bushes and dead branches from any trees in the yard. Finally, pick up and remove any debris or items lying around the yard. You want the lawn to look as clean and well-kept as possible.

3. Improve the Lighting

A home that’s not well lit can appear dingy and dreary. Even changing light bulbs so they’re brighter can make a positive difference. Whenever a potential buyer comes to look at the home make sure several lights in the house are on. Open all curtains and blinds so plenty of natural light is coming into the house. Clean, sparkling windows will also make a home appear brighter.

4. Do a Thorough Cleaning

It’s important to make sure your home is as clean as possible. Vacuuming and dusting is not enough. A deep cleaning should include having all the carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned. The hard floors should be mopped and all bathrooms completely cleaned. Make sure the home smells as good as it looks. It’s a good idea to place an air freshener in most of the rooms, especially the bathrooms.

5. Spruce up the Decor

A few touch-ups can go a long way toward making your house look better to a potential buyer. A fresh coat of paint is one way to make a major difference in the look of your home without spending a lot of money. If you can’t afford a new carpeting, consider throw rugs to add color and style in a room. Pretty wall hangings and mirrors can also make a big difference.

6. Focus on the Kitchen

The kitchen is a primary point of interest for many buyers. It’s important that the kitchen is clean, bright, and airy. Make sure all appliances are functioning properly, including the garbage disposal. Some realtors even suggest baking cookies prior to showing the home or lighting a candle on the kitchen table. This will make the kitchen area more welcoming.

7. Stage Your Home as Effectively as Possible

Home staging is essential when preparing a house. After cleaning up the lawn, cleaning the inside, and focusing on a few prime areas in the house, it’s time to declutter. This means removing little knick-knacks, photos, and other personal items. A home that is cluttered often appears messy and even smaller. Removing your personal items helps a potential buyer envision the home as their own.

Preparing your home when you’re looking for a buyer is crucial for getting the best price possible. These seven tips can help you sell your home as quickly as possible.