Tips to Prepare Your Home

Decluttering

The first step in the process of preparing your home for sale is decluttering. While going through old items in your home, a good rule of thumb to remember is that if you haven't used the item in over a year, you probably won't use it or need it again.

If you do decide to discard items that are still in decent shape, you can always donate them to a charity or nonprofit organization within your community. For items that need to be thrown away, some towns will pick up used goods and recycle them in a beneficial way.

For any items you decide to keep, store them away in boxes and closets so they are not visible, which will make your home look neater.

Organizing

As potential buyers are touring your home, they might be interested in storage space, such as in closets or in the garage. It is important to organize these areas before open houses to make sure there is a nice aesthetic.

To keep your kitchen cabinets organized maybe you alphabetize spice jars and neatly stack dishes. In bedrooms, you can keep the closets organized by making sure shirts aren't falling off hangers and lining up shoes neatly. In the living room, fold blankets, fluff pillows and neatly stack up any books or magazines that might be visible.

Deep Cleaning

Whether you hire a professional cleaning company or you clean the house on your own, it is essential to make sure everything is spotless. Not only should you clean all rooms and surfaces in your home by dusting, mopping, polishing, etc., but you should also focus on the exterior of your home such as cleaning the outside of windows and power washing.

Clea'n and air out any musty areas by opening the windows or lighting a candle. The night before a showing, be sure to avoid cooking with odorous foods such as fish or garlic. Instead you can make the house smell welcoming with a fresh batch of baked goods!

Maintenance

In order to get the most money for your home. be sure to make any necessary repairs. These could include replacing cracked floor or counter tiles, patching any holes in the walls, and fixing leaky faucets. You also want to check that all doors close properly and kitchen drawers don't jam. If there are any burned-out light bulbs in your house, make sure to replace those as well.

Staging

You want potential buyers to have a great first impression when touring your home, so this final step is very important. Although hiring a professional stager is definitely an option, you can easily make a few updates to a room to make it feel new. The whole house doesn't need to be staged, but instead focus on the main rooms such as the kitchen. living room and the primary bedroom. In the kitchen. you can place a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter top or add some fresh flowers to the dining room table. In the living room, add a decorative blanket and some throw pillows to the sofa.

Maximize Curb Appeal

Don't forget to create curb appeal by staging the exterior of your house, as this is the true first impression. Keep your yard tidy by mowing the grass and trimming bushes and shrubs. You can also add color by planting flowers in your front yard. In the winter, add seasonal touches like a wreath or holiday lights to make your home more festive.