If you have decided to sell your home and move to another one, you are not alone. It is said that people in the United States choose to trade-in their home for a new one about every seven years. While the task of moving may feel daunting, the first step in the process is ensuring that you get the best sales price possible for your existing home. The good news is that if you follow the simple 5 step process outlined below, it will be a much easier and efficient process for you. Let’s get started!
Step 1 – Declutter, Declutter, and then Declutter More: As Americans we all have an overabundance of “stuff” in our homes. This stuff clogs up our living space and to potential buyers it makes appear smaller. Additionally, while personal stuff is valued and cherished by you and your family; to a potential buyer it makes it harder for them to picture turning your home into their own. When you are preparing to put your home on the market the best thing you can do is to declutter, declutter and then declutter more. Start with a general sweep and then take time to really consider what needs to be in your space and remove anything that is not essential.
Step 2 – Apply Fresh Paint in Neutral Colors: The cheapest thing you can do to improve the look of your living space, other than decluttering which is essentially free, is to apply paint. You should make it a point to paint as many rooms in the home as possible. Additionally, the paint should be neutral colors which can easily be “lived with” while the new buyers decide how they want to ultimately decorate the space.
Step 3 – Create Amazing Curb Appeal: Your potential buyers will form an opinion of your home the minute they drive up to it. This means that you must have great curb appeal to start off on the right foot and encourage them to want to come inside and see the rest of the property. While plants and flowers are important, don’t forget simple things like door hardware. If your home has a nice door but dated door hardware, it is a fairly simple and cost effective thing which you can change. You would be surprised at the change from simply changing the door hardware on the front door. Change internal door hardware as well where it appears dated or is just simply ugly looking.
Step 4 – Change Cabinet Hardware: One cheap and easy way to update bathrooms and kitchens is to change cabinet hardware. If you have sturdy and decent looking cabinetry, try changing out the cabinet hardware for an updated look. Sometimes the simple act of changing cabinet hardware can make a kitchen or bathroom appear to have new cabinets.
Step 5 – Use Quality Kitchen and Bath Accessories: Potential buyers view your home with the idea that when they move into it, their lives will improve in many ways. One way you can add to this feeling is by using quality kitchen and bath accessories. It is said that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. By taking the time to make sure all of your kitchen and bath accessories appear to be high quality and have mass appeal, you can ensure that it contributes to sell your home.