As a real estate expert and investor with decades of experience, I know that prepping a home for sale goes beyond putting out a “for sale” sign. In fact, there are a number of steps you can take to boost your home’s appeal, whether you live in Southwest Florida or Cincinnati. These tips can help shorten the time it takes to sell your home, as well as make for a more enjoyable experience. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that they can also help you command a higher closing price when you’re selling.
Going neutral throughout your home
Although I often advise a splash of color for Southwest Florida homes, even that should be done in moderation and within existing trends. The fact of the matter is that your buyers want to imagine making the property their own. And there’s no easier way to do that than by going with neutral colors, settings, and décor.
Review the state of your appliances
I can speak from experience that homebuyers pay attention to appliances. When it’s time to sell your home, it’s a good idea to take a look at how yours are running or fitting in with the current trends. While a complete kitchen re-do might not be right for your home sale, swapping out a fridge and stove is a cost-effective way to make an impression.
Highlight the positive, downplay the negative
As a homeowner, it can be tempting to think that your property is close to perfect. The reality, however, is that your home has pros and cons that every buyer will consider. How old is the AC? What condition are the windows in? What’s most attractive about the property? These are just a few of the questions that buyers will ask. So, focus on drawing attention to the positive and away from the negative.
Clean, clean, clean
Probably one of the simplest tips I can give you is to clean. And I mean, clean everything very well. It might sound like a small task, but when it comes down to it, buyers pay attention to how clean a home is. This is because, in part, it reflects on how the home has been cared for over time.
Touch up that landscaping
If completely re-doing your landscaping isn’t in the budget, you still have options. Changing out a shrub or two, adding a row of affordable flowers, or even edging all the sidewalks can make a difference. The outside of your home is the first aspect to make an impression, so consider anything that may make it even more appealing.
Take phenomenal photos
The final tip I like to recommend, and it’s too often overlooked, is to take stunning photos. If you can include it in your budget, you can even hire a professional photographer to take and touch up your photos. When you consider how many people use the internet to browse homes, this can make all the difference.
Are you selling your home in Southwest Florida? I’d be happy to offer you my expert advice.
Terry Records
Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service