You’ve decided to sell your home, and now, you’re in detail-mode. What small things can you do around your home now to make your home more appealing when you list it?
A good rule of thumb is to stick to more neutral options. You want the buyer to envision what their life could look like in this space—not be distracted by your personal choices. To help you focus your energy, we’ve put together a detailed checklist to follow to get your house in tip-top shape.
Declutter
Take an objective look at each room in your house.
- Does the furniture make the space feel crammed?
- Are the walls too full of photos?
- Is your one-of-a-kind bug collection going to leave the wrong kind of lasting impression?
If you need space to store your extra or more eccentric items, consider renting a storage unit or reorganizing closets to maximize space and minimize distractions.
Deep Clean Every Inch of Your Home
When it comes to selling your home, there’s no such thing as “clean enough.” Buyers will notice everything, from the smudges on the windows to the dust clinging to the baseboards. Make sure your floors shine, your windows sparkle, and every surface is spotless.
Don’t forget often-ignored spots like vents, grout lines, and ceiling fan blades—yes, people do look up!
Before a showing, open the windows for half an hour to circulate the air. Fresh-smelling air and a sparkling house can reassure buyers that the property has been well-maintained.
Take Care of Minor Repairs and Maintenance
Wear and tear can add up throughout a home. For example, a house with light cosmetic wear (such as chipped paint, well-loved carpet, or old appliances) can expect to receive offers that are 5–10% below market value.
Minor problems can also distract a buyer during a showing. While you may not want to do any major renovations, don’t shy away from quick fixes like:
- Patching up nail holes or wall dings.
- Fixing plumbing leaks and replacing burnt-out lightbulbs.
- Appling WD-40 to squeaky hinges or tightening up loose doorknobs.
These small updates show buyers the home has been cared for, making it easier for them to envision their future there—without worrying about surprise maintenance costs.
Stage the Home to Impress
Staging is a key strategy for any listing. Whether you hire a pro or go the DIY route, the goal is to highlight your home’s best features and make buyers feel right at home.
Lighting is massively important here. Warm lighting is more inviting than cool LEDs or harsh fluorescent lights. Where possible, opt for lamps or sconce-type lighting instead of direct overhead light.
Once the lighting is set, arrange your furniture to match that same open, inviting feel. For a pop of color, add fresh flowers, a simple or fake houseplant, or a bowl of fruit in the kitchen.
Staging isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s psychological. And it makes a significant difference: homeowners see a 5-15% return on investment when they choose to professionally stage their home.
Of all the rooms in the home, the most important rooms to be staged are the living room, master bedroom, and kitchen.
Enhance Curb Appeal
When potential buyers pull up to your house, the exterior is the first thing they’ll see, so make sure it’s looking its best. You don’t need to overhaul the whole yard: just a few simple upgrades can make a huge difference.
Mow the lawn, plant some bright flowers, and give that front door a fresh coat of paint—nothing says “welcome” like a bold, inviting entry. Power washing the driveway or porch can also work wonders, making everything look fresh and well-maintained.
Take Professional Photos
Oftentimes, a buyer’s first impression of a house is from the online photos. To truly capture your home’s charm, you’ll want a professional photographer to take photos. This can include drone photography, to show off your backyard or give scale for a large property.
Professional photographers can also put together a 3D tour that buyers can virtually take. This helps them feel immersed in your home before even stepping foot through the threshold. Furthermore, it can increase the number of possible viewings and therein possible offers, since not all buyers will have the availability to view your home in person.
Create a Listing Strategy
What price should you list your home for? How often should you have showings? An experienced real estate agent can use local market analysis to help you create a customized listing strategy. This can include everything from weekly open houses to promoting your home through targeted ads on social media.
Partner with a Trusted Fort Collins Real Estate Company
After completing this checklist, you’ve already put in the hard work. Now, you just need to keep your house show-ready to entice any buyers to choose your Fort Collins home.
To help attract the right buyers, reach out to Black Bear Real Estate and Property Management today. We offer expert advice and assistance to make your selling process as smooth as possible. Contact us today!