Selling a home can be a lengthy process, which begins before you’ve even planted your ‘for sale’ sign. In fact, there’s a whole host of things you can and should do first to prepare your home for the market.
Here are some crucial steps to take before listing your home for sale:
Declutter and depersonalise
Decluttering and depersonalising is the best way to showcase your home’s potential. Buyers don’t want to feel like they’re guests in someone else’s house, but rather that they are shopping for someplace new to live. Make sure to remove personal items, excessive furniture, and any clutter to make rooms appear more spacious and allow buyers to envision themselves living there.
Complete necessary repairs
Your home likely doesn’t need a top-to-bottom renovation to appear move-in ready. In most cases, you can make a huge difference just by focusing on a few minor home improvements. Noticeable repair jobs such as leaky taps, cracked tiles, or squeaky doors can deter potential buyers if not addressed. So make sure everything is in good working order before the viewing process commences.
Related: Selling when your property has known issues
Enhance kerb appeal
First impressions aren’t everything, but they do count. The exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see, so you should give your kerb appeal a boost by maintaining the garden, cleaning pathways, and applying a fresh coat of paint wherever necessary.
A well-presented exterior sets a positive tone for the rest of the viewing, so don’t overlook your front garden, driveway, and entrance when you’re preparing your home for the market.
Consider professional staging
Professional staging can make all the difference in how potential buyers perceive your home, both online and in person. Some people overlook the true value of staging, but stagers know how to rearrange your living space to optimise its usage, highlight its best features, and add appealing décor to create the impression that your home offers an aspirational lifestyle.
Related: How to stage your home for sale
Get a pre-purchase inspection
Consider hiring a professional surveyor to conduct a pre-purchase inspection so that you can identify and address any major issues before buyers conduct their own surveys. This is a great precaution to take if you’re hoping for a smooth sale, as it can help you avoid any last-minute negotiations, delays, or nasty surprises later down the line.
Gather necessary documentation
When the sales process commences, you’ll be inundated with documents. So it makes sense to prepare all relevant documentation as early as possible, including property deeds, planning permissions, building regulations certificates, and any guarantees for renovations or appliances. Having these at the ready shows buyers you’re serious and reliable, and can hugely streamline the selling process.
Set the right asking price
Getting an accurate valuation before listing your home is crucial, as a fair and accurate price will help you secure a buyer faster. Your local estate agent can draw from years of experience in the local market to determine a competitive yet realistic price for your property. Overpricing can deter buyers while under-pricing could lead to missed opportunities, so experienced agents can help you find that all-important middle-ground.
Market effectively
Working with a reputable agent who understands the local market dynamics means your property can be marketed effectively. Advertising your property can be difficult due to limited reach, but agents are well-connected to potential buyers and can utilise various platforms and channels to ensure your home gains as much traction as possible.
Related: Steps to buying and selling a home at the same time
Be flexible and patient
Most importantly, it’s important to remember that selling a home can take time, so be prepared to be patient. Buyers are busy and likely under the same amount of pressure to move as you are, so stay flexible with viewing schedules and open to negotiations, as this can facilitate a successful sale.
