Make Your Home Move-In Ready

While some people look forward to the prospect of purchasing a fixer-upper, those buyers tend to be few and far between. Generally speaking, very few buyers will have the time or specialized inclination to put an abundance of sweat equity into a new home and when it comes down to it, most will lack the necessary vision to see past your property’s current diminished state.

Therefore, it should really come as no surprise that move-in-ready homes sell faster; however, if your current place could use a little TLC and you’re worried about the cost involved, rest assured that the process doesn’t have to be overly complicated or expensive. To start, it’s generally a good idea to speak with an experienced Realtor in advance—even if you’re going to wait a bit to market your home—because they will not only help guide you in the right direction, but will also aware of what property types sell best in your area.

From there, consider the following steps:

1.) DE-PERSONALIZE/DE-CLUTTER—I’ve gone over this aspect in previous blogs, but I’m bringing it up again because it’s extremely important. In short, buyers don’t want to see your home—they want to see something that could be their home, which means your goal is to make your home as open and de-personalized as possible. Start by going through each room and making a point to remove items such as personal photographs, taste-specific artwork or accessories, knick-knacks, and anything resembling a collection or hobby. While it may feel uncomfortable to place certain keepsakes temporarily in storage, think of it as getting a jumpstart on your packing.

2.) FIX IT, UPDATE IT, OR LET IT GO!—When it comes to broken items, buyers are significantly more likely to remember a home with a broken screen door, than a home without a screen door at all. As humans, we have a tendency to remember negative features instead of things that simply don’t exist in the first place, so it seems only logical to walk through your home and take note of everything in need of work.

3.) CLEAN YOUR GARAGE—Sure, many buyers will expect your property to have a two-car garage; however, it’s important to note that even if yours only fits one car, making a point to get rid of excess garage clutter is vital. To start, store what you can before setting up wall organizers to streamline your outdoor equipment and organize your belongings.

4.) PAINT, PAINT, PAINT—This is another point that I’ve stressed in the past, but it also bears repeating. If you’re willing to invest a little bit of time and money, consider repainting some of your rooms. Sure, you LOVE your purple guestroom, but don’t ignore the fact that it may be a deal-breaker for a potential buyer. To remedy the situation, invest in some neutral paint and be open to the idea that what may cost you a few hundred dollars now, may result in a higher selling price upon closing.

In the end, these strategies are only the beginning and can be used in all aspects of your home—from flooring and furniture, to wallpaper and design schemes. As previously stated, if you’re unsure, contact a Realtor who has experience in your area and get their thoughts on what you may or may not need to fix. At the end of the day, real estate agents exist to help you get the most money for your property, so rest assured that their expertise covers all of the minute details you’ll need to consider for your home to get the reception it deserves.

Pam Evans | www.hellopamevans.com | www.hellopamevans.com | 678-778-6551