If all of the time spent at home this past year has you considering putting your house on the market and making a move, there are a few essential tasks we recommend you complete before listing your home. The current market trends are showing that there will be an influx of properties once the weather turns warmer and restrictions are lifted. In a more saturated market, it is essential that your home stands out in the crowd so buyers can see what makes your property unique.
The average homeowner isn’t aware of the essential tasks they need to handle before listing their home. Take advantage of the time spent at home now to get some projects finished that will make your home shine once the market heats up. Aside from hiring the right listing agent, (hint; It’s Prosper) here are the top 5 tasks that are a must-do to get your home ready to put on the market:
1. De-clutter
Clutter. We all have it. If your clutter is distracting and overwhelming to you, imagine how it will make your potential buyers feel. It’s essential to get rid of the clutter so that the spaces in your home feel larger, more open and more inviting to buyers. There are several local organizations that will do a curbside pickup of your items for a no-contact donation. Most donations can also be a tax-write off.
2. Consider your Curb Appeal
You want to make sure that potential buyer’s first impression of your home is a positive one. One of the most helpful tips to help your curb appeal is to Pressure Wash the exterior of your home and all outside areas. This helps everything look fresh and clean and is a relatively inexpensive way to show your home in the best light.Replant any flowers that are dying or wilted and spruce up your outdoor spaces. Invest in a few outdoor accessories such as planters, throw pillows and welcome mats to entice potential buyers to want to take a closer look.
3. Repaint the interior with Neutral Colors
You want your home to appeal to the widest range of buyers as possible. Painting the interior a neutral color gives your home a blank slate and allows potential buyers to envision their design plan for the space. Some of Prosper’s favorite neutral interior paint colors are : Benjamin Moore Pale Oak, White Dove and Collingwood.4. Remove all personal items
Even though it’s fantastic that you graduated with top honors from your college or your child won that huge sports trophy, it’s time to pack up that memorabilia to take to your next house. Too many personal items can turn off potential buyers and distract them from the ability to picture themselves in the home.5. Complete Minor Repairs- Task List
That vent that hasn’t worked for 2 years? That dent in the wall where the neighborhood kids got too aggressive with a game of tag? Now is the time to make a punch list and determine what tasks you can fix yourself and what tasks need the help of a professional.When you’re getting your home ready to sell, it’s important to remember that you want potential buyers to feel welcomed and comfortable. They should walk through the front door and imagine it as their home, and not feel like they are a guest in yours.
Prosper has a full-service client concierge team to manage the entire process of getting your home ready for the market. From picking the perfect paint color to checking off that task list, we’ve got you covered and we’re here to help.
