Last Updated on October 27, 2022
Have plans to sell your home this winter?
It’s never too early to start tackling that to-do list so you can make sure your home sells quickly.
Not sure where to start? Here are the 5 best things to do to get your home ready to sell.
#1 Clear the clutter
By far, the biggest thing you can do to get your home ready to show is to go room-by-room and remove anything that isn’t essential to your everyday life. Don’t be tempted to shove all of your clutter in closets or your garage, though–you’ll need to stage those areas too.
Consider renting a storage unit for a few months to store unnecessary items. You’ll want all rooms to look as large as possible, and pairing your stuff down will help tremendously with this effort.
Additionally, make sure all closets or storage space are about 30% empty. This gives the illusion that your home has ample storage–a big selling factor with buyers.
Related reading: How to stage your garage to increase your home’s value
You might also consider removing personal items from your home, as too many personal items can distract buyers when they walk through your home. Remember, buyers need to be able to easily picture themselves living in your home.
#2 Deep clean
Take the time now to start the process of deep cleaning your home. Here are some items to tackle:
- Make sure all grout is clean and restored to its original color
- Clean all linens and drapes
- Deep clean floors and baseboards
- Have carpets professionally cleaned to remove all stains
- Pressure wash driveway and home’s exterior
- Clean exterior and interior windows
- Get bathrooms and kitchen sparkling clean
#3 Stage your home
After you’ve paired down clutter in each room, the next task is to stage your home. Focus on the kitchen, bathroom and main living rooms for the most impact.
In the kitchen you want to remove almost everything from the countertops. You can keep a few tasteful decorative items, but store coffee maker, paper towel roll, toaster and any other kitchen accessories in cabinets during showings. Make sure all of your stainless appliances sparkle, too!
In the living room make sure all coffee tables, side tables and bookcases are cleared of clutter and staged well. If throw pillows and blankets look worn, purchase new ones to brighten up the space.
Add greenery to the room by adding some fresh flowers, eucalyptus stems in a decorative vase or even a faux boxwood plant.
Related reading: 7 inexpensive home staging items to wow buyers
In bathrooms replace old towels with fresh white towels, and exchange an old shower curtain with a crisp white one. Don’t forget about making sure your grout sparkles, too.
Overlooking critical storage areas like your garage and closets is a big no-no. Stage your garage to showcase its storage potential and remember to clear your closets so that it appears like there’s ample storage.
#4 Get outside
Next, move outdoors to work on your curb appeal. Make sure your home has recently been pressure washed and don’t forget about sidewalks, decks and driveways, too. Add fresh mulch to all flower beds and consider adding new plants or shrubs to spaces that need a little something extra.
If you have a deck, porch or patio, take the opportunity to stage it with furniture. Add some fresh throw pillows and a colorful rug to make everything pop.
#5 Schedule a pre-inspection
Last, but certainly not least, go the extra mile by having a pre-inspection completed. For around $200-$500 you can have your home inspected before you put it on the market, allowing you to uncover and address any negative issues.
Completing a pre-inspection before you list allows you go ahead and conduct repairs on your timeline, with the contractor of your choice. Essentially, you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes time to list.
Keep reading: 5 upgrades to pay off big time when you sell
