If you are thinking about selling your home in 2018, the time to start preparing is now. Start looking at your house the way a potential buyer would. Focus in on the four aspects of a home that are most important to house-hunters: curb appeal, the floor plan, the kitchen, and storage space. Let’s look at each one of these a little closer.
Curb appeal: What I suggest for my sellers is to step out on your street. As you walk toward the house, ask yourself some tough questions. What kind of first impression does it make? Is it in need of paint and/or obvious repairs? Is the landscaping overgrown or unattractive? Is the entryway easy to navigate and well lit? Are the windows clean and do the window treatments match? Overall, does the home convey a fresh and welcoming feel?
The floor plan: The thing I hear over and over when showing homes is that buyers are looking for open floor plans. Don’t be discouraged, however, if your house doesn’t have a so-called “great room.” There are still lots of ways to make it look more spacious and airy. The first thing is to realize that “less is more.” Minimize the number of pictures on the walls and knickknacks spread around the home. While they may have meaning to you, they can make the home feel cluttered and messy. Likewise, having a lot of furniture in a room can make it feel cramped, and it makes it hard for the buyers to envision how their furniture might fit. Consider getting rid of excess pieces or putting them in storage. Sometimes, simply rearranging the furniture can make a huge difference. When I help clients list their home, I take the time to walk around and provide ideas to ensure it looks move-in ready. If needed, I can also recommend a stager or organizer to provide consultation for a minimal cost.
The kitchen: When a buyer walks into a kitchen, the first thing they look at are the type of appliances and their condition. If some of yours are particularly old, you might consider replacing them. These days there are a lot of options to choose from. Even if you decide not to buy newer units, make sure all of your appliances are clean and in working order. Be sure to clear off the counters of all but the most essential items. Many buyers like to be able to eat in the kitchen, so make sure they can see an open space where they might be able to have an eating area.
Storage space: 81% of families rate storage space toward the top of their list of priorities. It’s particularly important in the master ensuite. Cleaning out your closets and bathroom cabinets can make them look larger and more accessible. Even a simple thing like organizing your clothes and other items by category or color can make the space look more inviting. Having good storage space in the garage is also essential to buyers. Obviously, getting rid of old, broken equipment and unused items will free up space. Installing pegboards, racks and cabinets can also increase the garage’s functionality and make it easier for people to walk around.
In summary, look at your house with a critical eye and make any necessary changes before you put the house on the market. With a little bit of prep work, you can make your home really stand out. Feel free to contact me if you need any specific advice.
Wishing you the best in 2018!
LeEtta Rudolph, Local Realtor-Adviser, leettarudolph@gmail.com, www.leettasellssmart.com