Are you getting ready to move again? Whether you have to or just want to, it can seem like a HUGE, overwhelming process. Yes, it is a lot of work to get your house ready to put on the market, wait for an offer, and then move on to your next house, but if you just take it step-by-step, you will be on your way in no time.
The length of time your house will be on the market depends on several things such as the price, the market in your area, and the condition of your house. I can’t help you with the first two, but I do have some tips for getting your house in the BEST condition possible before putting up your “FOR SALE” sign.
- Declutter your entire house, garage, and basement. Also, declutter and straighten up closets, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom cabinets.
- Eliminate some furniture and nic nacs if possible, to make the house look more spacious.
- Do some deep cleaning, such as windows, smudges on walls, mold in showers, light fixtures, and carpet. Make everything as clean and shiny as possible, especially the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Do some minor repairs. Fix dents or holes, leaky faucets, and anything that is obviously broken.
- Paint if necessary. If repainting an entire room, make sure you paint it in a neutral color. Consider painting dingy baseboards.
- Make sure all lights are working and have lightbulbs.
- Add some fresh new pillows to sofas, new towels to put out in bathrooms, new dish towels, and nice smelling candle in entryway.
- Make sure entry looks nice. The first impression when buyers walk in is so important. Make it look pretty and cozy.
- Check the curb appeal of your house. Make sure the front yard and porch look nice. Add flowers, a couple chairs on porch, maybe add a new welcome mat. Trim bushes and remove dead trees. Powerwash the house, if necessary.
- Get an expert opinion from your realtor and have them go through the house pointing out things that they see that need improving. You might not have noticed them since you see your house every day.
Now that you’ve got your house ready to go on the market, you need to be ready for lots of showings, and sometimes you won’t get much notice. You’ll need to make an extra effort to keep everything reasonably clean and organized at all times. Make a habit of straightening up any clutter every morning, especially if you’ll be gone all day.
When we had our house on the market, I had a closet where I kept some nice pillows, nice towels for the bathrooms, and candles. These things were saved just for when I would have a showing on our house. So, when you get “the call”, make sure your house is clean, shiny, and decluttered. Put out your nice things, turn on all the lights. (Yes, I turned on ALL the lights.). Spray a little air freshener and leave before the buyers get there so they can look thoroughly.
I hope this checklist gives you some ideas for getting your house ready. It may seem like a lot of work to do on a house that will no longer be yours, but it will be worth it.
Good luck on selling your house and have a wonderful day!