If you’re getting ready to list your home on the market, you’ll want to make sure it’s as market-ready as possible. A little spring cleaning can make a world of difference in the way your home appeals to potential buyers. It can also make a huge impact on your bottom line when you sell.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to fix in your home before listing it, here are five things you should add to your to-do list.
1. Depersonalize and Declutter
Though it might be difficult to start looking at your home as someone else’s, you’ll want to make it inviting for buyers to imagine themselves and their families in your home.
Removing personal items and decorations is crucial in preparing your home for the market. Try to look at your home through a stranger’s eyes. It should be neutral and inviting without being overly personalized to you.
Depersonalizing involves removing family photos, personal mementos, and other items that reflect your specific tastes and lifestyle. This helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space and creates a neutral canvas that appeals to a broader audience.
When buyers can imagine themselves living in the home, they are more likely to feel emotionally connected and motivated to write an offer. You want to give buyers an idea of how the home could be lived in but not the way you live in it currently.
Clutter can make rooms feel small and uninviting. Messy counters and closets can be a big turnoff to buyers. You’ll want to go through every room and closet and tidy up. This means organizing drawers and cabinets, clearing off counters, and keeping a more minimal feel inside your home.
By decluttering, you create a sense of spaciousness that lets buyers focus on the features of your home rather than being distracted by your personal belongings.
2. Neutralize Décor
Neutralizing décor is key to appealing to a broad range of potential buyers.
While you may have personal preferences for bold colors or unique décor, these choices can be polarizing and may not be everyone’s style. Repainting walls in neutral tones like beige, gray, or white creates a space that appeals to more people. Removing overly colorful items like artwork, throw pillows, and accessories helps create a blank canvas for buyers to imagine their décor and personal style.
It’s best to avoid any bold colors. Instead, opt for neutral tones that aren’t as strong. If your carpeting is old or outdated, consider replacing it with something newer in a neutral color. The same goes for any wallpaper or murals that might not be in style anymore.
If your home is looking a tad empty after you’ve cleaned and neutralized it, consider investing in home staging to help buyers visualize your home fully furnished. Plus, staging a home to show its full potential can dramatically increase the value buyers are willing to pay, earning you more money.
3. Maximize Natural Light
Maximizing natural light is a simple yet effective way to enhance the appeal of your home. You want it to feel bright, spacious, and homey to everyone who walks through the door.
Start by opening curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Trim any overgrown bushes or trees outside windows that may be blocking sunlight. You might also consider placing mirrors in rooms to reflect light and make them appear bigger and brighter.
If necessary, clean your windows inside and out, so they let in more light. Letting in more natural light can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that showcases your home in its best possible light, pun intended.
4. Enhance Curb Appeal
Great curb appeal is critical for making a memorable first impression on potential buyers.
Everyone will see your home from the outside before they see the inside. The exterior of your home sets the tone for what awaits inside, so be sure that it looks well-maintained and inviting. Many buyers will drive through your neighborhood and look at your home from the outside before deciding to schedule a private showing.
Start by focusing on the landscaping, ensuring the lawn is neatly manicured, the bushes are trimmed, and the flower beds are tidy. Additionally, be sure to clear any lingering plant or other debris with a rake or leaf blower. Beyond this, adding fresh flowers or potted plants can instantly brighten up the exterior with a pop of color. You may also want to add some fresh mulch.
Consider giving the front door a fresh coat of paint and cleaning up the siding, windows, and shutters if they’re dirty. Don’t overlook smaller details like updating house numbers, the mailbox, or outdoor lighting fixtures to enhance the overall aesthetic of your home’s exterior.
By investing a little time into maximizing curb appeal, you’ll instantly capture the attention of every buyer who comes to see your home.
5. Deep Clean
A thorough deep cleaning can go a long way in making a great first impression on buyers.
Start by tackling overlooked areas such as baseboards, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and window treatments to remove dust and grime buildup. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Ensure that countertops, cabinets, appliances, and fixtures are squeaky clean and free of any stains.
Making sure your home is pristine on the inside and out will make the best impression on every buyer who is deciding whether it’s right for them.
Consider hiring professional cleaners for things like carpet and upholstery cleaning to ensure a thorough cleaning. If you’re working with a top-notch real estate agent who is listing your home, they’ll be able to recommend a cleaning company for some of the more time-intensive cleanup.
Don’t forget about outdoor spaces like patios, decks, and garages. A quick power wash can make a big difference in the outdoor areas of your home. Doing a deep clean creates a flawless environment that appeals to buyers’ senses and makes your home look brand new and ready for its new owner.
Getting your home ready to list isn’t always an easy task, but the effort is always worth it. By focusing on every detail in your home, you’ll give yourself the best chance to get more money for your home when it’s time to sell.