Turn Your House into Someone’s Next Home
Whether you’re looking to sell or lease, here are some tips to getting the property ready to show:
1. Make a Good First Impression
- What’s on the outside does count. Many prospective home buyers first inspect the property’s perimeter before getting inside. Perception is reality…right? If the front yard and backyard look well maintained, they can expect the same behind those four walls.
- Keep the grass cut. Trim any bushes. Pull those weeds. Plant colorful flowers (in warmer months). Repair any watering systems. And even spray out any dirt and debris between the sidewalk cracks or patio blocks.
- Clean windows. Polish woodwork. Make your home shine!
2. De-Clutter and De-Personalize
- Clean up the clutter. Take down family photos. Remove any personal décor. Not only will these steps make for more attractive advertising photos and better showings, they help neutralize the setting so that the prospect can begin to imagine themselves in their new home. When it’s time to prep your house, this task alone can make a big difference.
3. Let There be Light
- Make sure all bulbs that need changing are changed…both inside and out. For outdoor bulbs, wipe away any dirt or debris. Brighter lights tend to provide a better sense of security.
4. Ceiling Fans Need Love, Too
- All fans, whether in/outdoor, should be operating properly and free of dust. The last thing you want is a prospective buyer/tenant flipping the wrong switch and seeing a stopped fan with dust caked onto the blades.
5. Windows, Doors, and Screens
- All windows and doors should be thoroughly wiped down…every crevice, corner, and edge.
- Inspect every screen. If there is a tear or rip, it’s best to get it fixed.
6. Patch, Paint, Fix, and Repair
- Take the time to patch holes, put a fresh coat of neutral paint, fix that leaky faucet, or repair that broken tile. Whether you do it yourself or spend some money to hire help, the end result will be more people interested in buying or renting your home…and paying more for it.
7. Air Filters Need to be Changed
- Changing your air filter regularly is not only good for your health — and the health of your home — it’s also a good idea to have the freshest air flowing as buyers and renters pass through. Cleaning vents and the surrounding area (wall/ceiling) also ensures that your home looks well cared for.
- TIP FOR RENTING: Replace any reusable air filters with disposable ones as it may be easier for your tenant to change the filter monthly rather than clean it every so often.
8. Professional Cleaning
- If you’re short on time or have physical limitations, it may be well worth the investment of hiring a professional cleaning company to reach every corner of the house. From baseboards to the refrigerator to shampooing carpets…they have the crew and resources to leave the place ready to be showcased.
9. Pest Control
- No matter how many preventative measures you take, pests may still find their way in somehow. When that happens, hire a professional to spray and treat for common pests in your area.
10. TIP FOR RENTING: Change Out Locks
- Re-key or re-code all outside doors, gates, or storage sheds. If your home is part of a Home Owner’s Association, make sure you have any gate remotes and codes, issued by the HOA, as well as any keys and codes for amenities.
11. Hire a Home Inspector
- Whether you’re selling or renting, you may want to consider hiring a professional home inspector. Make certain they are aware of the purpose of the inspection. They’ll be able to assure that everything is up to code (or suggest what needs to be done to get there) which can not only improve safety, but can help avoid unpleasant surprises and costs in the future.
It all comes down to…how would you expect your new home to look on move-in day? Be brutally honest, as if this wasn’t your own home. Every effort you make will help obtain what you ultimately seek: the right Buyer (or Tenant) and the highest price (sale or rent). So…impress yourself!
Need help? Consider working with JJ Nate Real Estate & Mgmt. If you’re looking to sell or lease, we can walk you through or even coordinate the process. Whatever your real estate goal, contact us today so we can help.
