Preparing your home for the real estate market

Elizabeth Davenport
Jul 15, 2016
3 min read

As many of us know, selling a home is about so much more than just putting a sign in the front yard. Selling a home takes dedication, time, and a little bit of TLC.

If you are thinking about putting your home on the market for sale, here are a few tips that I would recommend for getting your home ready to sell.

1. People DO judge a book by it's cover.

The classic saying is a tale as old as time. "Don't judge a book by it's cover!". However, when it comes to selling your home, that isn't always the case. When getting your home ready for the market, you have to think about what people will be seeing whenever they come into your home. Selling a house gets personal, and sometimes in that mindset we can be blinded and unable to see important features that need to be updated/fixed.

For example: you may absolutely adore that bright orange accent wall in the kitchen. However, a buyer could come in and not be able to get over the "giant orange wall", and you could risk the sale altogether!

Even though small cosmetic things such as paint can be an easy fix, it's always good to address these prior to listing your home. I would recommend giving your home new life with some relaxing, neutral colors that don't distract or take away from the beauty of your home. This will give the buyers a clean slate to be able to see themselves in your home.

2. Clean out your closets.

One thing that people like to look for in a home is storage space. That includes closets, attic space, and garage space.

Prior to listing your home, give your closets and other storage spaces a nice clean sweep! A full closet communicates a lack of storage space for your prospective buyers. This could be a deal breaker for certain buyers that you may come across.

If getting rid of stuff isn't your forte, perhaps try a little re-arranging. Sometimes all a little clutter needs is some tidying up. Not only will you feel accomplished and organized, but your potential buyers will be able to see the potential storage space your home has to offer.

After all, if you're not bursting at the seams with a lack of space, they will feel more confident that they won't be either.

3. Take up baking as a new hobby.

One thing that can make your home feel warm and inviting is the enticing smell of a delicious dessert being made in the oven. As silly as that may seem, you would be surprised by the effect that it has on buyers!

Have a showing later this afternoon? Easy! Just pop some cookies in the oven and once they are done, lay them out on a nice platter for the buyers that will be visiting your home. Not only will this make your house smell warm and delightful, but it will also earn you some brownie points in the minds of the buyers.

After all, who doesn't love cookies?

4. BE AVAILABLE!

This is perhaps the most important part about selling your house: make sure you are as flexible as possible when it comes to showings!!! It is often the case that a buyer will call an agent to try to schedule a showing for that day. Having too many showing restrictions could mean missing out on the perfect buyer for your home.

However inconvenient it may be, always try to make time for those last minute appointments. This means keeping your house clean and prepared so that you can be ready for just about anything. Keeping your home showing-ready will make both your life and your agents life so much easier.

and last but not least...

5. Don't get discouraged.

It'll be okay! Sometimes things just aren't meant to be. Maybe it just wasn't the right buyer at the right time. Not every showing will lead to a sale, but trust in your agent and everything will work out for the best!

Selling a home should be an exciting step in your life. Don't get caught up in the little frustrations, after all, chances are you have an amazing Realtor at your side helping you every step of the way.