Home Sale Prep Guide
1. Simplify: Start by decluttering your space. Clear out any unnecessary items to make your home feel more spacious and inviting.
2. Deep Clean: Give your home a top-to-bottom cleaning. The magic is in the details. You want your home to shine. By having a clean and well maintained home on the surface it will also give the perspective that the home has been loved, cared for and kept up with. This leads too..
3. Fix & Repair: Address any minor repairs or maintenance issues. Break out that honey-do-list. From paint touch ups, a leaking faucet, missing outlet covers, loose handles, and everything in between. Tackling these small tasks shows buyers that your home has been well-cared for.
4. Pressure wash: Now that you gave your home a deep clean on the interior make sure you do the same on the exterior. Pressure wash your property’s exterior, driveway, sidewalk, balcony, porch etc.
5. Paint: Paint for the highest ROI for the cost of paint. Neutralize dark or outdated paint colors. If exterior paint is faded consider a paint job to enhance curb appeal and really make the home pop from the moment you pull up. Pro tip - touch ups are only possible if paint has not been exposed to the sun, is the same formula, AND is flat paint. Think of repainting the whole wall or area if needed.
6. Curb appeal: Make a great first impression by sprucing up your home's exterior. This includes landscaping, painting the front door, and ensuring the entryway is welcoming. (Think fresh welcome mat, new plants, and mulch) Trimming overgrown vegetation can also fall into this category.
7. Depersonalize: Remove memorabilia and family photos. Create a blank canvas for buyers by removing these personal items. You want the new buyer to envision themselves walking into their new home not someone else’s
8. Illuminate: Let there be light! Ensure all light fixtures are working and consider adding extra lighting to brighten up dark spaces. Each fixture should have the same toned light, and the same toned light should also be cohesive in each room. For example a chandelier should have all warm or all cool toned lightbulbs. A living room should have all warm tone or all cool toned lights in the same room. This can differ from room to room if each room is cohesive.
9. Stage Strategically: Arrange furniture and décor to showcase each room's potential. We can help with this! Consider replacing rugs that may be worn or dingy, especially in the main living room or high traffic area like the kitchen.
10. Banish Odors: Eliminate any lingering odors by deep-cleaning carpets, upholstery, and drapes. Freshen up with subtle calming scents like lavender. For deep onset smells consider an ozone machine.
11. Landscape: Keep your outdoor spaces well-maintained. Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and add pops of color with seasonal flowers or tropical plants. New mulch (not red) makes new landscape pop. It will also help retain moisture to help your plants grow!
12. Cosmetic upgrades: Reach out to us about any cosmetic upgrades you may be considering to see if you will have a return on investment. Some cosmetic upgrades may be warranted while others may not! For example painting honey toned wood cabinets and adding new cabinet pulls may be warranted while gutting the kitchen may not.
13. Document & Prepare: Gather important documents and information about your home to provide to potential buyers. This includes warranties, manuals, and maintenance records. Bonus: if you have purchased within the last 3 years and will close before your 3rd anniversary, you can get a reissue credit for the owner’s title policy.
With The Albert Team's guidance, you can prepare your home for a successful sale and maximize its value in every market. Let's get started! Fill out the contact info below :)
