Ten years ago, it was easy to get a mortgage. Homes were selling fast, and often for much more than the asking price. Buyers were looking for potential rather than perfection and not how well luxury beds would sit in each of the bedrooms or if their antique furniture would fit in the living room. Sellers were sitting pretty. In most real estate markets today, that’s no longer the case.
Many people think they need to spend a lot of money in order to make their house more marketable. However, it isn’t necessary to spend thousands on a new kitchen or new windows in order to make a home more attractive to prospective buyers. Sellers who do these seven things will see clearly – perhaps for the first time in years – what they already own. They may even reconsider selling.
1. Declutter
2. Organize
3. Clean
4. Consult
5. Repair
6. Decorate
7. Evaluate
The clutter needs to go. Hold a yard sale or sell underused items in an online auction or on a classified site. Rent a storage unit if it’s needed. There should be nothing on the kitchen counters that isn’t clearly part of an organizational scheme. When the laundry is all clean, it should fit into the closets and dressers. Print and electronic media should be on shelves or in cabinets.
Once the house is organized, it should be blitzed. Now is the time to clean under and behind the appliances and furniture, to steam clean any rugs or carpets, and to fix anything that’s broken. Make sure that old appliances, doors, windows, and lights look and work like new. A functional component or appliance doesn’t necessarily need to be thrown away just because it’s old, but if it isn’t working properly or can’t be made to look good, then seriously consider replacing it. Real estate professionals can give advice on what changes and replacements will give you the best value for your money.
Next, take a look at the decorating. Are the paint, wallpaper and trim attractive and in good condition? A new paint job will make a house look clean and bright and also creates an opportunity to patch flaws in the walls and ceilings. Sometimes a stylish interior can help sell a house, but many buyers prefer to see a neutral decorating scheme that they can personalize. If the house is older, then consider using historically appropriate colors.
Finally, review the entire house and yard. Don’t neglect the basement, garage, and exterior. Everything should look neat and well cared for. If the roof is noticeably worn, then this is the expensive repair to invest in. Nobody wants to buy a house that needs roof repairs.
Making an existing, occupied house attractive to buyers takes work, but attention to detail is more important than a big monetary investment.
