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Selling Your Home: 10 Tips to Prep Your Place

Thinking about putting your house on the market? Then you probably already know that it takes work. A lot of work, if we're being honest.

 People will offer varying opinions when it comes to prepping your home to sell. Among the bold statements I've personally heard:
  • "Curb appeal is everything. Buyers decide before they walk in the door if they'll buy."
  • "All anyone cares about is the kitchen and master bedroom."
  • "People just look past clutter."
The truth is that there's no silver bullet when it comes to selling your home. Everyone walking through will have a different set of priorities and preferences. But being in the business of buying and selling homes since 2005, I've observed strategies that do make a difference. In this blog, I'll share my top 10.

Note: These are listed (very roughly) by timeline, not priority. In the coming weeks, I'll explore each of these strategies with more in-depth blog posts.

Talk to at least 2 realtors.

I recommend going with a realtor who is both local and full-time. (Remember: you're going to be spending a lot of time with this person.)

Make repairs.

Even the ones a potential buyer probably wouldn't see could bite you when the home inspection comes back and impact your negotiating position. If you know of something that needs to be done, consider taking care of it now.

Do some homework.

Being well-informed will help you make the best choices for your own home. You can get estimated valuations online. Check out Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia. But keep in mind that they're computer-generated.

Skew neutral/depersonalize.

If your walls are painted in bold colors, consider returning them to a neutral color, as your budget allows. And I know it can be hard, but put your photos away. (Safely, and with love.)

Keep it clean.

It may seem like just a little dust here or some scuff marks there. But buyers do notice, and you don't want them to leave your home feeling "icky".

Reduce clutter.

This can be a hard one when you're still living in the home. But clutter makes spaces feel small. And if there's enough, buyers will worry about the condition of the place underneath all that stuff.

Eradicate odors.

Clean carpets, open windows, deodorize, etc. to remove smells from pets, smoke, foods, mildew, etc. (Be judicious with any use of scented deodorizers. They also have lingering odors that can offend a sensitive nose!)

Maximize curb appeal.

Spruce up anything a potential buyer could see on the outside. Rake leaves, mow the lawn, add flower baskets, etc.

Stage.

Once your house smells and looks its cleanest, it's time to arrange the furniture and add some flare!

Set aside some breathing time.

Throughout the entire process, try to take time away from thinking about your move so it doesn't become all-consuming.

Ready to buy or sell your home in Northern Virginia? Contact The Norris Realty Group!

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Location: Prince William County, VA, USA

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