5 Tips for Selling Your Home


Jun 6, 2023 | Real Estate

1. Increase Home Value through Decluttering

It has happened to all of us, the once-empty storage closet now overflowing with things that should be neatly stored away finding new homes elsewhere. If this sounds familiar, now is the perfect time to start getting rid of the unnecessary things you no longer need.

Decluttering is an affordable way to boost your home’s value. Focus on key areas such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and living room, as these are often the most appealing to potential buyers. Take on the project one room at a time and avoid moving on until each room is completely finished, preventing the creation of endless piles. 

Here are some tips to guide your decluttering process:

  • Depersonalize your home by removing highly personal items such as family photos. This helps buyers imagine themselves in the space.
  • Organize your bathroom, including countertops, linen closet, and medicine cabinets. Remove personal items to allow buyers to envision their own space.
  • Tidy up your home office by decluttering papers, clearing your desk, and concealing cords.
  • Dispose of expired items in the kitchen, pantry, bathroom, and medicine cabinet.
  • Sort through your closet, removing excess hangers and donating or disposing of unwanted clothes and shoes.
  • Create an inviting entryway by removing personal items and enhancing its appeal.
  • Clear kitchen countertops and conceal appliances to create a clean and spacious look.

2. Deep Clean Your Home

After decluttering, the next step is to thoroughly clean your home. This involves wiping and dusting every surface, mopping and vacuuming carpets and floors, and paying extra attention to the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. Odors can leave a lasting impression, particularly unpleasant ones. Pets, children, food, and other factors can contribute to unwanted smells, which may discourage potential buyers.

Cleaning your house thoroughly can be time-consuming, and finding the time for a top-to-bottom cleaning can be challenging. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service as they are less likely to overlook any areas that might be missed on your own checklist. They can reach every nook and cranny, leaving your home sparkling clean, thus increasing its value and facilitating a quicker sale. In fact, a deep clean can significantly increase your home’s resale value.

3. Paint Your Home, Inside and Out

When selling your home, it’s essential for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Dull, chipped, or low-quality paint can discourage buyers and lower your property’s value. Investing in a neutral color paint for the interior is relatively inexpensive and yields a higher return. This can attract more interested buyers and potentially lead to competing offers.

Painting the exterior may require a larger investment, but it significantly enhances curb appeal and can expedite the sale. Take a walk around the exterior and assess any cracks, peeling, or faded color. If you spot any issues, it’s time to repaint.

Consider hiring a professional painting company to avoid mistakes such as using the wrong brushes, purchasing low-quality paint, or applying too much or too little paint.

4. Enhance Your Front Yard

First impressions matter when selling a home, and improving the exterior is just as important as the interior. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes—would you be enticed to tour a home that lacks curb appeal?

Curb appeal plays a significant role in attracting buyers, selling your home quickly, and increasing its value by up to 7%. Here are some budget-friendly ideas to enhance your curb appeal:

  • Repaint or replace your front door to give it a fresh look. Over time, front doors can appear worn and weathered due to daily use. Repainting or replacing the door is a quick and cost-effective way to boost curb appeal.
  • Update your exterior lighting to create an inviting entryway. Proper illumination along the walkway and highlighting landscaping features such as trees and shrubs can make a significant difference.
  • Consider replacing an old fence to enhance the overall appearance of your yard. A new fence improves greenery, privacy, security, and property value. Various materials like wood, vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron, or composite can be chosen.
  • Collaborate with a professional landscaper to create a low-maintenance and well-manicured landscape design that appeals to buyers.
  • Ensure your windows and siding are clean. Over time, dust, dirt, fingerprints, and algae can accumulate, making your house look dull and dirty.

5. Hire a Home Inspector

If you’re preparing to sell your home, scheduling a pre-listing home inspection is a wise move. This inspection allows you to uncover any hidden problems in areas of your home that are not typically visible. Home inspectors identify safety issues related to the home’s structure, electrical systems, and mechanical components, which could significantly impact a buyer’s decision or require costly repairs. Roof damage, termite infestation, water leaks, or outdated electrical wiring can lower your property value. Being aware of these issues allows you to address them before listing your home, ultimately increasing its value.