Okay, let’s dive into that crucial first step of selling your home: getting it ready! Our mission is centered on getting you to the next chapter of your story. Preparing your home is a big part of setting the stage for that exciting move.
What Buyers Want
When you decide to sell, you want to attract the best buyer pool you possibly can. “The greater the condition the better the buyer pool the better the offer(s)”. Buyers are often looking for a place that allows them to mortgage-in improvements and, more importantly, a home that fits the life they are building. To understand what they’re looking for, you need to Put Your Buyer Hat On. Rewind the clock and try to remember what it was like when you walked in your current home for the first time! What was going on in your life? What were the features you felt you needed at that time? What reasons did you pass on other homes and do those reasons exist in your home today?
Assessing Your Condition Wearing your buyer hat means taking an honest look at the current state of your home. You’ll want to pay attention to key areas, especially deferred maintenance & repair. This includes checking the roof, exterior, windows, foundation, and basement for odor (usually a sign of water intrusion). Consider the age of significant mechanicals like the Furnace, AC, Water Heater, and Water Softener. Fix the simple things. It’s cheaper on the front end than potentially dealing with them later in negotiations. Beyond major repairs, focus on making easy cosmetic improvements. Simple things like fresh paint, updating hardware, and fixing broken things can make a big difference in how a buyer perceives the home. While larger projects like kitchen or bath remodels or adding square footage can impact value, the preparation phase often focuses on these more accessible updates and necessary repairs.
Writing Your Condition Report
Being open, honest, and transparent is a core part of the process. You should disclose known issues about your home’s condition on the Real Estate Condition Report. Doing this upfront can help reduce negotiable items by disclosing them. If you’ve had work done, getting a paid invoice and lien waiver for completed work will be expected.
Purge and Rightsize BEFORE Your Move
A huge part of preparing your home is decluttering. This step is essential! The advice is clear: Don’t pay to store or move things that don’t bring you joy. Reduce Personal Decor items. This isn’t about making your home look sterile, but rather about helping buyers envision their lives, their furniture, and their memories being made in the space. Decluttering also makes the home feel larger and cleaner during showings.
Getting your home ready is the solid foundation for the entire selling process. By focusing on these areas, you create an appealing environment that speaks to what buyers want, helping you attract the best offers and take that significant step toward starting the next chapter of your life story!.