If the mere thought of getting your home ready to sell induces panic, you’re not alone.  The key to a fast, successful sale?  Preparation.  The effort that goes in behind the scenes, before your property hits the market, makes all the difference in your timeline and selling price.  Here, we break down our tried-and-true tips for getting your home sold – fast. 

Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

First impressions are everything, right?  You’ve got one chance to wow your potential buyers as they first lay eyes on your property, so put yourself in their shoes:  walk up to your house as a buyer would and make a mental checklist of everything that needs touched up.  Is the lawn mowed?  Is the landscaping cleaned up?  Are the walkways clear?  What about the front door – does it need a wipe down or a new coat of paint?  Presenting a fresh, clean exterior automatically signals that this home is well taken care of, builds confidence in your potential buyers, and starts your showings off on the right foot. 

Clean, Clean, Clean

We get it – keeping your home clean while living in it, showing it and trying to sell it is an everyday challenge.  If your budget allows, consider hiring a professional for a deep clean before your home hits the market.  If that’s not in the cards for you, focus on the areas that buyers are most likely to notice.  Hit those scuff marks along walls and doors, wipe down baseboards, and clean your windows and appliances until they shine.  Consider getting floors and carpets cleaned – especially if kids and pets are in the mix.   Dust shelves, light fixtures and exposed surfaces that buyers will walk by.  Last but not least – pay attention to your home’s scent.  We all become a little nose-blind in our own homes, but buyers won’t be.  A thorough cleaning is one of the easiest ways to freshen up your indoor air.

Declutter and Organize Every Space

Does decluttering and organizing your home feel overwhelming?  Yes.  Does it pay off big?  Also, yes.  Potential buyers can’t envision themselves in your space if they have to look past your shoes on the floor, toys shoved in corners, messy closets, or shelves full of knickknacks. Whether you like it or not, buyers will be opening cabinets and closet doors; if those spaces are not organized, it could lead them to believe the home has a storage problem.  Getting rid of clutter and creating order with your personal possessions not only appeals to potential buyers, but also makes your own upcoming move less stressful.  A good rule of thumb?  Three items or less on surfaces throughout your home (think:  kitchen and bathroom counters, dining tables and desks.)

Tackle Those Lingering To-dos

We all have an ongoing list of minor home maintenance tasks that we’ve been meaning to get to.  Make time now, before listing your property, to take care of those quick fixes:  replace burned out light bulbs, repair leaky faucets or running toilets, touch up scuffed paint, or tighten any loose hardware like cabinet pulls, doorknobs or hinges. You won’t want your potential buyers making a mental to-do list of all these items themselves. Better maintenance upfront leads to more confident buyers down the line.

Prep for High-Quality Photos 

Your home’s professional listing images are key to effective marketing and can help turn online browsers into potential buyers.  When it’s time for your home’s professional photos, treat it like a dress rehearsal for your in-person showings.  Prep and brighten your space by turning on lights, replacing bulbs where needed, and opening curtains.  Remove or hide unnecessary décor, personal items, or anything that creates visual clutter.  Stage your outdoor spaces like you’re getting ready to host.   Your home’s photos will ultimately reflect all the hard work you’ve put in up until this point.

Make a Great Impression on Showing Day

You’ve cleaned, organized, decluttered and tackled minor fixes around your house – now it’s showtime, baby.  Maximize your home’s impact on showing day with a few key tips.  Create a bright atmosphere by opening curtains and turning on lights; set a pleasant ambiance with background music or fresh flowers; and make buyers feel at home with a comfortable inside temperature.  Don’t forget about securing pets and personal items like valuables, guns and medications.  Bonus tip?  Create a simple checklist of tasks like these that will help you prepare for each showing – because there will inevitably be more than one showing day! 

Price it Right from Day One

Every seller wants to get the maximum price for their home, but that doesn’t mean you should start with a high listing – it’s a sure-fire way to alienate potential buyers. Hitting the market with a list price that is realistic, competitive and accurately reflects the value of your home tells buyers that you’re serious about selling.  Plus, the right price is what will drive traffic and demand for your home.  More demand can potentially drive up the price and lead to more favorable terms for you in the end.

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Selling your home can bring up a mix of emotions – it’s the bittersweet close to one chapter, and the exciting beginning of another.  While the process can feel overwhelming, it can also be a positive experience.  Following these tips, and partnering with the right realtor, can help keep stress out of the mix and set the stage for a successful sale.