In today’s competitive market, homeowners want to know, “What’s the best way to sell my house fast?” From modern updates to ensuring all necessary repairs are complete, sellers have a lot of high expectations to meet. Start by checking out comparable homes to get a sense of what your price should be and what you’ll need to stand out from the crowd.
As you prepare to list your home, here are six key issues you’ll want to address to speed up the process:
1. New and Neutral Finishes
Paint color can make or break a sale, and something as simple as an offbeat wall color may make homebuyers move on to the next home on their list. Touch up your rooms with neutral colors and finishes to prep your home for an open house. These colors will help buyers imagine themselves living in the home.
Potential updates include replacing old brassy fixtures (which are one of the top homebuyer turnoffs) with new brushed nickel finishes, and preserving existing wood floors as best you can, as they add value to your home. According to USA Today, hardwood floors are one feature many homebuyers are willing to pay extra for, so be sure to highlight this detail.
2. Updated Kitchens and Baths
Kitchens and baths that show well often help sell a home faster. In a Consumer Reports survey of real estate professionals, 53 percent stated the kitchen is the most important room to renovate, while 42 percent agreed the bathrooms should be in good shape.
You don’t necessarily have to conduct a major renovation to entice buyers, but a few switches, such as new kitchen appliances, countertops, flooring, a pedestal sink, fresh caulk around a tub or grout for a tile floor, can go a long way in freshening up your home for a potential buyer.
3. Curb Appeal
Starting from the moment a buyer pulls up at the curb, your home should make an attractive first impression. Without curb appeal, you could miss out on a potential sale. Pay attention to every detail of your home’s exterior by tending to any overgrown plants or weeds in your front yard, as well as broken window shutters or chipped paint, so your home stands out to buyers. Knowing they’ll have to fix less after they move in is a great selling point for potential homebuyers.
4. Energy Efficiency
According to a 2015 National Association of Realtors report, energy efficiency is in the top five “must-haves” for today’s home buyers. Insulating your attic, installing a programmable thermostat and sealing leaks in doors, windows and ducts are minor tasks, but they make a big difference in energy efficiency. Contact your local utility company for an energy audit to learn about easy ways to maximize your home’s energy efficiency.
5. Fixes and Repairs
When buyers search for a low-maintenance, move-in ready home, you don’t want something like a garage door that won’t open to deter someone from signing on the dotted line. Some items to add to your repair checklist include nonfunctioning light fixtures, faucet leaks, water damage, loose handrails, broken banisters and sinks or showers that don’t drain properly. Hire a professional home inspector for a presale inspection to point out any problems that could sabotage a sale.
6. Staging and Decluttering
Sellers shouldn’t underestimate the power of decluttered and staged homes. Start by clearing your home of any personal photos, keepsakes or decor and packing them away until you move out.
Stage each room as it was originally intended (such as a bedroom rather than a workout space) with a minimal amount of furniture, so buyers can visualize their belongings fitting comfortably within the home. Less furniture and clutter can make each room feel larger. Keep everything clean, vacuumed and dusted, and open up your windows to show off your home in its best light.
If the mantra of “sell my house fast” is what’s motivating you, expect to put a little sweat equity into your home for the best results. With a few smart updates, you should be able to improve your chances of selling your home.
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