Selling your home is a big decision. You'll want to consider your reasons for selling,
timing, and the market conditions in your area. You'll also want to be prepared for the costs of selling, which can include repairs, cleaning, and staging.
As a real estate agent in London, I want to help you through this big decision!
If you're ready to sell, here's what you need to do:
START WITH CURB APPEAL
First impressions matter, so make your home stand out the instant buyers pull up to the curb. Some upgrades can be done in a weekend and will cost more in sweat equity than actual dollars.
GIVE THE KITCHEN A FACELIFT
Kitchens sell houses, so any updates you make have the potential to go a long way. And they don’t have to be expensive; some upgrades can be accomplished with mostly elbow grease. Start by showing off your storage. Pack up the seldom-used small appliances and holiday dishware for your next house and use up all the dry goods in the back of the pantry. Clear clutter off the countertops.
PARE DOWN FURNITURE
The most important thing you can do to prepare your home for sale is to get rid of clutter. One of the major contributors to a cluttered look is having too much furniture.
RETHINK FURNITURE PLACEMENT
There's a common belief that rooms will feel larger if all the furniture is pushed against the walls, but that isn't the case. Instead, furnish your space by floating furniture away from walls.
ADD FUNCTIONAL OFFICE SPACE
These days more people are working from home and homeschooling is becoming commonplace, so a workspace may be essential for your potential buyers. If you don’t have an entire room to dedicate to a home office, carve out a nook in a spare bedroom, a corner of the living room or even a closet.
DEPERSONALIZE
Potential buyers want to be able to picture themselves in your home, and that’s hard to do if
all they see are your personal items. Remove family photos, your kids’ artwork, framed diplomas and personal collections.
SHOW OFF YOUR STORAGE
Storage always ranks high on buyers' priority list. Show off yours by decluttering your closets and cabinets. Keep closets neat by stashing items in matching baskets and cloth bins.
MAKE BATHROOMS SHINE
Scrub the bathrooms, then scrub them all again. Nothing is going to turn off a potential buyer
more than a scuzzy bathroom. Remove hardwater stains from faucets, make sure there is no
sign of mold and remove clutter by whittling down your cosmetics and products in the vanity
and medicine cabinet.
FILL YOUR HOME WITH PLEASANT AROMAS
A nice smell can have an immediate effect on the way we feel and think. Put your potential buyers in the right mood by making sure your home is filled with pleasant aromas.
AMP UP THE LIGHTING
One of the things that make staged homes look so warm and welcoming is great lighting. Increase the wattage in your lamps and fixtures. Aim for a total of 100 watts for every 50 square feet.
ERASE SIGNS OF PETS
We totally understand how much you love your pets (we do, too), but potential buyers may be
turned off by pet odors or be allergic to fur and dander. Thoroughly clean the areas where your pets spend most of their time and add air fresheners.
MAKE THE BEDROOMS LUXE
Create an inviting and serene main bedroom with a well-made bed covered in luxurious linens.
For more tips, you can download a free Seller Guide to get you started in this process.