Whether you’ve decided to list your home for sale or rent, it will undoubtedly face stiff competition in the current real estate market. With so many possibilities for buyers and renters to consider, your property needs to stand out for all of the right reasons.
Everything from cleaning to staging and more play a major role in preparing your home for sale or rent. Use this complete guide to cover the bases.
Why Prepping Your Home Boosts Value and Interest
Buyers and renters generally want to get the best value for their money. They want the nicest home in their budget that is in the most desirable area. Typically, buyers and renters are very cost-conscious and need their monthly payments to remain below a certain level. This means that they will consider your house in comparison to other homes in the same price range in the area.
What does your home offer that others don’t? Can the buyer or renter envision themselves living happily in the space? Or, does the home look like a major headache in terms of repairs, cleaning and updating? Prepping your home for sale or rent portrays your home in the best possible light. This enables you to generate more interest, get the best price and complete the transaction faster.
Start with a Thorough Cleaning
A dirty house may be an irritation and eyesore to you. To a potential buyer or renter, it can be downright disgusting. Your home should be completely spotless before you even take photos to list online.
It should also be cleaned regularly while it is on the market to maintain its cleanliness. Cleaning so frequently is one of the headaches associated with listing a property, so consider hiring professional cleaners to tackle this important chore.
Declutter and De-personalize
When an interested party tours the home, they need to be able to envision themselves living there. They don’t want to feel like a stranger in someone else’s space. De-personalizing your home is essential.
It involves removing personal photos, anything with your name on it, sports trophies, religious items and other items that aren’t generically appealing as décor. By doing so, you also declutter your space, making it seem more inviting.
Make Minor Repairs and Updates
No realistic buyer or renter expects a used home to be in mint condition. However, too many issues can be a major turnoff. Make minor repairs upfront to create the best presentation to potential buyers and renters. This allows them to focus on how appealing your home is instead of being distracted by damage that could have easily been fixed beforehand.
In addition, even if you don’t have a large budget for updates, look for affordable ways to modernize the décor, if needed.
Boost Curb Appeal
Buyers and renters will make a snap decision about your house before they even walk in the front door. In fact, they may not even decide to tour the house if the listing photos display an ugly house.
You can easily boost curb appeal by manicuring the lawn and planting fresh flowers in the flowerbeds. Use a power-washer to remove dirt and grime from the driveway, walkway and front porch.
Stage for Maximum Appeal
You could spend a small fortune paying a professional stager to make your home look as appealing as possible, but this isn’t necessary. Spend time learning the basics of staging as an alternative.
For example, remove oversized furniture that makes the space seem claustrophobic. Ensure that all of the beds are on the opposite side of the room from the door.
Optimize Lighting and Airflow
Dark, stuffy homes are anything but inviting. Often, they make people want to leave as soon as possible. Improving lighting and airflow are critical to creating a welcoming space. Trim trees and bushes that block sunlight from entering windows.
Remove window screens from the windows, and wash the windows. Ensure that the air vents are clean, and run the HVAC system even if the weather is mild. If you run ceiling fans, run them at the lowest speed possible.
Professional Photos and Listings
We’ve all heard that a picture is worth a thousand words, and this is an incredibly powerful statement when you’re trying to sell or rent a house. Professional photographers take advantage of angles, furniture placement and lighting to make the house seem as appealing and spacious as possible.
In addition to hiring a professional real estate photographer, use a professional real estate agent who can craft a winning description for your listing.
You want your home to stand out from others on the market for all of the right reasons. However, something as seemingly minor as a dirty floor can make or break a person’s interest in your home. Get your home sold or rented faster by using Tidyhere’s turn over cleaning service. Schedule an appointment with our team today.
