If you're thinking about selling your home in Middle Tennessee, There are five things you need to do first. This guide explains.
5 Things You MUST Do Before You List Your Home for Sale
Check out the five tasks you should tackle before you list your home for sale:
- Make repairs
- Consider minor upgrades
- Make simple cosmetic fixes
- Declutter
- Stage
Scroll down for a closer look at each.
Thing #1 to Do Before You List Your Home: Make Repairs
If anything in your home needs to be repaired, now is the time to do it. There's a good chance that your buyer will hire a home inspector after you accept an offer, so it's in your best interest to make sure everything is in great shape before that inspector shows up. That's because buyers often use inspection reports to negotiate with sellers, and even minor issues could end up costing you when it's time to reach a deal.
Related: When can a seller keep a buyers earnest money deposit?
Thing #2 to Do Before You List Your Home: Consider Minor Upgrades
Little upgrades can make a huge difference in the sale of your home. For example, if you have outdated light fixtures, cabinet hardware or even flooring, updating them can make your home more appealing to buyers. When your home is more appealing, buyers are willing to offer more money for it.
That doesn't mean you need to renovate your home to sell it, though. If you're thinking about investing any significant amount of money into your home just so you can sell, you should talk to your real estate agent first. The last thing you want to do is spend money that eats into your profits.
Related: 5 tips to make your bathroom more attractive to prospective buyers
Thing #3 to Do Before You List Your Home: Make Simple Cosmetic Fixes
Some buyers can't see past minor cosmetic issues, and though they don't affect the structure or value of the home, they could cost you a sale. That means its worth your while to make minor cosmetic improvements wherever you can. Consider repainting the walls, power-washing the sidewalk, updating your house numbers and exterior door hardware, and other small touches that may make a difference to buyers. (If youre not sure what to do, ask your real estate agent theyll have plenty of ideas!)
Related: 7 cant-miss downsizing tips
Thing #4 to Do Before You List Your Home: Declutter
Before you put your home on the market, declutter it completely. That means removing excess furniture and belongings that you aren't using right now. A good rule of thumb is that if you haven't used something in six months or more, it needs to go into storage while your home is on the market.
There are two main reasons for this: the first is that you want perspective buyers to see how much space your home really has to offer. They can't do that if it's teeming with your stuff. The second is that homes that have been decluttered photograph very well, and because most prospective buyers begin their home searches online, you need your home's listing to entice them into scheduling a tour.
Related: 5 curb appeal tricks that make buyers fall in love
Thing #5 to Do Before You List Your Home: Stage
Staged homes sell for nearly 20 percent more than non-staged homes do, so It makes sense to put in the effort. Staging is the art of making your home as attractive as possible to a wide range of buyers, and you can do that by making sure it's neat and tidy, and that it has modern touches that buyers find attractive. Buyers are under no illusions that your decor will go with you when you leave, but when they feel comfortable in your space because it's modern and attractive, they're more likely to make an offer.
Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Middle Tennessee?
If youre buying or selling a home in Middle Tennessee, Benchmark Realty has you covered.
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When its time to sell your home, well tell you exactly how much its worth get your free home valuation here, and then learn how we can help you sell quickly (and for the best possible profit).
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