We have been thinking for quite some time about putting our house for sale and buying our next house. However, we are NOT looking forward to selling our house at all. Lets just say that I am a massive worrier and worry about everything.
Will my house sell? Will it take 1 year to sell?
OH MY what if the house takes 2 WHOLE years to sell!?
Yes, these are all thoughts that happen in my head all the time. The fear of my house not selling is probably not realistic, as all decently priced houses eventually sell. However, that is not how it happens in my head. There are many things that we plan on doing before we put our house up for sale, as we want it to sell as quickly as possible, and also for as much money as we can possibly get out of it. I am perfectly fine with doing a little bit of work, especially if I see a valuable return in that. Also, I’m perfectly fine with doing things to my house and loving it more along the way!
If you are planning on selling your home, there are many things to think about, and even more things that you probably need to do. Below is a great list to help you start preparing your home for sale:
1. Increase your curb appeal
Are plants and your lawn dead? Plant new flowers and grass. Clean up your driveway and try to eliminate any car oil stains that there are. Trim any shrubs and repaint shutters. Eliminate any mess or trash on the side or in front of your house.
A nice landscape can go a long way when it comes to selling your house faster and for more money. When looking for a house to buy, home buyers usually would want it move in ready. Being able to see the true potential of a home and yard is important.
2. Change the way the inside of your house looks
There are many things that can be done to the inside of your house to make it more move in and home buyer friendly.
- Repaint walls and do any touch ups that are needed.
- Fix any nail holes or other holes in walls.
- Replace gold door knobs with silver colored door knobs.
- CLEAN your house. Yes, you would think this would be easy, but it’s not.
- Replace or clean carpet.
- Remove any clutter. Home buyers don’t want to wonder why you are lacking storage space.
- Eliminate any pet smells or stains.
3. Eliminate any “personal” touches
Do you have picture frames all over your house? Hide those and pack them away. Usually home buyers have a hard time imagining themselves in a house if there are pictures of other people in the house already.
It also might be worth it to stage your home. You can either hire someone or have your real estate agent help you with this. You can rent furniture and increase your home’s appeal by having more modern items inside.
What have you done to prepare your house for sale?
Michelle Schroeder is the founder of Making Sense of Cents and Diversified Finances, a personal finance and lifestyle blog about budgeting, traveling, life, and student loans. Read further on her story and life.