Pre-listing Steps to Follow

A recurring trend in today's market is that buyers are looking for a move-in ready home with nothing to do except turn the key. The homes that poses these qualities are the ones selling for premium prices. For some sellers, preparing their house for sale in this condition may be a financial stretch. A real estate agent will be able to assist by prioritizing what potential buyers will be looking for and where money should be spent. A house can be located in an attractive, desirable neighborhood, but if it has been lived in for decades with minimal upgrades, there will be problems selling it.

It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint, new kitchen hardware and carpet removal (if there is hardwood underneath) can do in a potential buyer's mind. However, some homes may not need a lot of work to get it updated. There might be other issues at hand, such as too many personal possessions that block a buyer from seeing themselves in that house. The point is to make them focus on the house, not the people who live there currently. How families live in their home now is not how it should look when it is listed for sale. Less possessions also makes the space look bigger and buyers want more for their money. By decluttering personal items, it also helps the seller to mentally remove themselves from the home.

Consider hiring someone to help you sort, pack, donate and recycle items that you no longer want. You may be able to take a tax deduction for things you donate. Make sure to get a receipt. Your real estate agent should be able to recommend someone who can help you clear your house of clutter if you are overwhelmed by the project.

Your agent, or stager, may ask you to put away art hanging on the walls, personal photos, any displayed collections etc. This can be difficult for most sellers because, for them, it's part of the emotional appeal of their home. Your house won't look like your home after you've removed personal possessions and moved what's left around to display the house to its best advantage.