If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to give little Lily Leanne and Johnny George the backyard they’ve been asking for, you’ve probably considered selling your house first. Thanks to Rhodes & Co. Broker/Agent Pat Phillips, here are a few things to do before putting your house on the market:
1. Overpower Your Hoarding Tendencies.
Hold a garage sale before listing your home to make certain that all storage areas and closets, plus your basement and garage, are uncluttered and spacious. Bye bye, 1990’s collection of CDs. Clear space = better selling situation.
2. Increase the wattage of lightbulbs in darker areas or rooms.
Because humans are basically plants with emotions, your open house visitors just need to be given the appropriate amount of light.
3. Eliminate bad odors.
And trust your agent if they tell you something stanks. You might be bitter now, but you’ll thank them later.
4. Make sure every level makes a good first impression.
Unlike when you’re neighbors pop over unannounced, you can’t just shove and shift. Potential buyers are about to be all up in your house, so give them something (good) to talk about.
5. Clean out closets, garage and attic.
Yes, we know they’re for storage. You know they’re for storage. But a space looks a lot bigger (and sells better) if it’s clean and open. If you have questions, refer back to #4 and #1.
6. Highlight the fireplace if you have one.
A fireplace is a highly sellable feature. And like your ex-boyfriend, you need to take the time to make sure it feels important.
7. Add neutral coat of fresh paint.
Some people just can’t dream up a place like you can. Ditch the personal prefs, and do what you need to do to get the bag.
8. Professionally clean carpets.
This makes a huge difference for potential buyers. No one need’s to see Steve the dog’s footprints from when he jumped in the stream at the reservoir.
9. Declutter, especially kitchen countertops.
Decluttered space is the magic ticket. Remove unnecessary appliances and those little wooden art pieces that tell you to “eat” in your “farmhouse” because you’re so “grateful. thAnkFuL. blessed.”
10. Depersonalize as much as possible.
We know you paid a fortune for the last three year’s worth of holiday mini sessions, but put them away. Your potential buyers need to be able to visualize their own family in your space.
Interested in learning more? Connect with Pat or give her a call at (910) 639-1550 for your home selling needs.
