Preparing Your Home to Sell

The absolute best time to sell a Westfield area home is in June, according to data compiled by HomeLight. So if you plan on putting your property on the market, you need to start preparing your home to sell right now. Follow this handy guide to make the process a little easier.

Preparing Your Home to Sell

Clean it Up

That includes both the inside and the outside. Vacuum and/or mop. Make sure you dust everything, including the baseboards, the window sills, and those hard-to-reach areas. Buyers use all of their senses when looking at a home. So, a property that both looks and smells clean tends to sell quicker and for a higher dollar amount.

As for the outside, you want your curb appeal to stand out. First impressions last. You do not want your home’s first impression to be a dud. Mow the lawn. Trim the hedges. Get rid of your weeds. Make sure that the pathway to the front door is clear. Place trash bins out of the line of sight.

Get Rid of the Clutter

Buyers need to see themselves living in a space in order to consider it as their own. That may prove difficult if they need to wade through your family photos, your kids’ artwork on the fridge, and travel mementos strewn about the house. When preparing your home to sell, pack up all personal memorabilia. You also want your home to look open and inviting. That means paring down your books, kitchenware, children’s toys, linens, and clothing to the bare minimum. A less crowded space makes buyers believe that there is plenty of room to hold their belongings, too. And buyers always appreciate spacious homes. Since buyers inspect every nook and cranny, you may want to consider renting out a storage unit while your property is on the market. The money you spend on storage may very well come back to you in the form of a higher sale price.

Contact a REALTOR®

Next, contact a REALTOR®. In fact, contact a few. Every agent offers something different. Since your home sale may very well be one of the most expensive financial transactions you are a part of, you need to find someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Once you find one you like, they can offer you tips about where to focus your efforts when preparing your home to sell. And just as important, they can tell you which areas you don’t need to worry about. This expertise can ensure you get your home in its best shape and on the market as quickly as possible.

Get a Home Inspection

Yes. Your buyer usually orders a home inspection. However, to avoid surprises and tackle potential problems before your property hits the market, you might want to hire your own home inspector to take a look at your property. Besides, the fact that you took the time, effort, and money to invest in an inspection ahead of time makes a great impression on potential buyers. It shows a level of trustworthiness that buyers appreciate.

Gather Your Paperwork

Finally, after all is said and done, start gathering the paperwork that buyers may need to see. For example, HOA documents, insurance claims, receipts for work performed recently on your home, etc. Warranties for new appliances also would be great to provide to a buyer. Did you install solar panels on your house in the last couple of years? Make copies of your electric bill from before installation and afterward to let buyers know about the energy cost savings. Buyers may not ask for all of this, but it helps to get all of your paperwork ready to go now in case you need it later.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes