A few inexpensive updates will attract potential buyers.
Not long ago, it seemed every house on the market had buyers lined up to pay top dollar. Sellers clearly had the upper hand, often getting multiple bids for their homes in "as is" condition. As the market softens, sellers need to make sure their home stands out in the crowd. Some easy updates and a reasonable asking price can help your home make it to the top of the buyers list.
Understand the Buyer - Put yourself in the buyer's shoes. Think back to the excitement you felt when you walked into your home for the first time. Whatever features attracted you (the fireplace, the plentiful closet space) will probably appeal to the new house hunters too.
The most successful sellers also know that for a buyer, purchasing a home is an emotional journey. A home is where you live and raise your family, it's your biggest asset, so you want it to shine. Experts agree that decluttering and painting in neutral tones are among the simplest, least expensive ways to refresh your home. But there is also much more you can do. Try these ideas.
Get a Checkup - Arrange for a home inspection so you will know what areas need attention. That way, you can fix things on your schedule and there won't be any major surprises when the buyer has a home inspection.
Tend to the Garden - Make your yard inviting. Mow, plant seasonal flowers, weed and mulch. Hide the lawn mower and put up a hammock. Help the potential buyer dream of having friends over for a cookout.
Stash Personal Items - Remove family photos and hide your child's toys from the living room and bathtub. You want the buyer to imagine themselves in your home.
Highlight Unique Features - Small details can pay big dividends. Add flowers to the mantel or dining room table, polish the hardwood floor in the foyer and show off the trim around the windows with a bright, contrasting paint.
Lighten Up - Use full-spectrum lightbulbs to replicate daylight inside and add lighting. If your curtains block the sun, put up sheers. Be sure to open all blinds.
Clear the Kitchen - Empty cabinets and counters of everything but the bare essentials. Remove the coffee pot and toasters. Buyers will open your cabinets so clear them out, remove the mishmash of unmatched coffee mugs.
Clean Everything - Don't forget baseboards, ceiling fans, tile grout and windows. A clean look conveys that a house is cared for, which for buyers means quality and, hopefully, a home.