When selling your home, prepping for the market is a huge part of the process. What exactly that entails can be confusing. It's not always easy to know which repairs and upgrades will increase your chances of selling. You may not want to risk putting a lot of time and money into a project only to find it did not increase the value of your home. If you are hesitant or feeling uncertain, that’s okay. We can help! Before taking action, take a look at some of our favorite ways to get your home market-ready.
1. Remove Clutter
The goal here is to increase the look of space in your home and create a welcoming environment. Get rid of things you don’t use, clear off all countertops, and organize storage spaces. Shoot for cleanliness and simplicity. Clutter is hard to look past, and it’s a turn-off for most buyers. Help them to see the house itself rather than just the stuff in it.
2. De-Personalize
Family photos and knickknacks are distracting. Removing personal items from your home makes it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves in the house.
3. Deep Clean
Spend time deep cleaning each room. Clean kitchen appliances, dust ceiling fans and vents, clean bathroom grout, wash windows, and vacuum closets. Focus on areas that have been neglected or forgotten about. Make the house as clean as possible, and keep it looking fresh throughout the selling process.
4. Make Repairs
It’s not always necessary to go crazy with repairs, but fixing a few things throughout the house can make a huge difference. Replace cracked tiles, check lightbulbs and smoke detectors, and fix doors or cabinets that don’t shut properly. Know that a fresh coat of paint can quickly enhance a room’s look. Replacing old door knobs and cabinet hardware can help give your home an updated look, as well.
5. Up Curb Appeal
The outside of your home is each buyer’s first impression. You don’t want them walking up the steps hoping that the inside of the house is better than the outside. Keep things tidy and neat. As a general rule, keep the sidewalk cleared, the lawn mowed, and the cobwebs swept. Check out Solid Rock Realty’s previous blog post on to how to increase your curb appeal for even more ideas.
6. Downplay Pet Presence
Minimize buyer exposure to pets. Keep in mind that not all people are animal lovers and many are allergic to them. If you can send your animals to a pet-sitter or keep them kenneled for showings, you might find more success. If nothing else, keep pet hair vacuumed and food dishes put away during showings.
7. Bring in Outside Perspective
If you are not sure where to start or what to make a priority, invite a friend, family member, or real estate agent over. A fresh pair of eyes will see things that you have grown used to and no longer notice. Have someone come over and walk through your home, evaluating each room, the yard, and the exterior of the house itself. Ask them what changes they would like to see if they were going to buy the house for themselves.
Once you have your home ready for showings, do your best to keep it that way. Make sure dishes are clean and put away, place fresh towels in the bathroom after each use, and don’t allow clutter to pile up. A buyer could request a showing at any time, and you want to be ready to say yes!
If you are considering selling and don’t know where to start, our team is always more than happy to provide guidance. If you are wondering what your home is worth, you can give us a call or head to our website and find out for free! Solid Rock Realty will go the extra mile to ensure you are confident hitting the market.