Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. How to prepare your home to sell fast. These ten steps will help you sell your home effectively and make it irresistible to potential buyers. Need some inspiration? Click on the pictures for direct links to a product or click here for the entire Storefront.
10 Steps to help your home sell quickly
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
Before you stage your home to sell, clear out any clutter. Remove the obvious personal items like family photos, memorabilia, and personal collections. This helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Next, go through cabinets and closets to remove items you no longer need. Potential buyers will look everywhere around the house, including inside drawers and cabinets. If the space appears organized it gives the feeling that the home is well taken care of. Another way to make your home look larger is to remove some of the furniture in the main rooms. Consider removing almost half of the items in the room, especially large bulky furniture.
2. Deep Clean Every Room
A clean home is essential for making a great first impression. Clean every nook and cranny, including windows, carpets, and hard-to-reach areas. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for a thorough job. A clean home appears well cared for. It seems less of a risk to potential buyers.
3. Make Minor Repairs
Fix minor issues like leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked tiles. These small repairs can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your home. They also prevent buyers from thinking your home is not well-maintained. Every repair is either money in your pocket or money the buyers will want off of the asking price. Some of these repairs show up during the inspection process. It’s best to take care of them before listing your home.
If you have an older home making small updates can have a big impact on buyers. Think about updating shower faucets, outdated lighting, and painting the interior and exterior of the home.
4. Neutralize Your Color Palette
Neutral colors appeal to a broader range of buyers. Repaint walls in neutral tones like beige, gray, or soft whites. This makes your home feel fresh and inviting while allowing buyers to imagine their style in the space.
My go-to wall color is called Ginger Sugar from Behr it is a light beige color that looks good in all lighting
5. Enhance Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. Make sure your lawn is well-maintained, the bushes are trimmed, and the walkways are clear. Power washing your home, front porch, and back patio is an easy way to refresh the space. Add some potted plants or flowers to create a welcoming entrance. Try to stick to flowers that are bright pink, red, and purple as they look the best in photos. A new doormat and freshly painted front door will instantly welcome a new buyer.
6. Rearrange Furniture for Flow
Arrange furniture to create a natural flow through the rooms. Make sure that each space feels open and inviting. Remove any excess furniture that makes the rooms feel crowded or smaller than they are. A good rule of thumb is to eliminate half of the furniture and items in your home. While that seems like a lot to remove, it will make your space feel larger. If you aren’t able to remove furniture, try to simplify the decor. Simplify the rest of the room to create more free space. Sometimes removing rugs especially small hallway or bathroom rugs can create a larger feel to a room.
7. Add Light
Good lighting can make your home feel warm and inviting. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Add lamps and light fixtures where needed to brighten up dark corners. Consider updating outdated light fixtures for a more modern look. Before your listing photos, open all of the curtains and blinds to add as much natural light as possible. Turn on the lights in each room. This creates a bright and happy feel before any home showings.
8. Stage Key Rooms
Focus on staging the most important rooms: the living room, kitchen, master bedroom, and bathrooms. These are the spaces that buyers pay the most attention to. Make sure these rooms are clean, minimal, and arranged so buyers can picture themselves living there. While some may use the help of a home staged, it isn’t always necessary. A good Realtor will provide advice on staging your home. They will suggest using the items you have to maximize your home’s potential.
9. Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Add elements that make your home feel cozy and lived-in. Throw pillows, blankets, and fresh flowers can make a big difference. A set of fresh white towels displayed is an easy way to create a new home feel for buyers. Light scented candles or bake cookies before a showing to create a welcoming ambiance. My go-to scent is High Maintenance by the Tyler Candle Company. I like to use a candle and room spray. I wash linens with the same scent of laundry detergent to keep a consistent home scent.
10. Showcase Storage Space
Buyers are always looking for ample storage. Organize closets and cabinets to showcase their capacity. Remove half of the items in your closets to make them look more spacious and tidy. Serious buyers Will open cabinets, drawers, and closets, organize those spaces, and eliminate excess items.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Follow these ten steps to make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Increase your chances of selling quickly and at a desirable price. Remember, the goal is to create a space where buyers can see themselves living and thriving.
Ready to prep your home and get it on the market?
Contact me to sell your home in Fort Worth, Tx or I can connect you with a reputable agent in your home town.