What to do before listing your home for sale.
If you’re getting ready to sell your home, there is no time like the present to get started. After all, it takes a whole lot more effort than just posting a “For Sale” sign out the front - especially if you are hoping for a premium result!
Whilst it can seem like you’ve got an overwhelming task list in front of you, rest assured, it’s a much easier list to tackle once you know where to start! Here are our top four things to do before listing your home for sale.
Appoint a reputable real estate agent.
If there’s one thing that pays for itself tenfold, it’s enlisting the help of a local and qualified real estate agent to assist in the sale of your property.
When beginning the search, it’s important to do some research to find an agent who is knowledgeable about your specific market and then meet with them to make sure they’re a good fit for you and your home.
Your real estate agent should be someone you feel comfortable working with and someone you trust to sell your house for top dollar. Don’t be afraid to talk to a few different real estate agents before selecting one and try not to just opt for the most cost effective option. Ultimately, you always get what you pay for!
Make simple repairs.
One of the biggest turn-offs for buyers is general property wear and tear such as chipped tiles, cracked windows, scuffed paintwork, stained carpets, and other obvious signs of damage. These unattractive areas instantly tell buyers that there is work to be done, which can diminish their initial enthusiasm and therefore lower the price they are prepared to pay.
When thinking about potential repairs, be sure to discuss them with your appointed agent before you begin. You want to ensure you are increasing appeal without overcapitalising and a second opinion is always valuable at sale time.
Think about your street appeal.
Whether we like to hear it or not, buyers tend to judge a book by its cover and these first impressions can make or break a sale!
When considering your property’s street appeal, you want to make sure that all potential buyers of your home see it first and foremost from the street as a good home, enticing them to come inside the open inspection so they can see more.
If you’re not sure how to improve your home’s street appeal, ask your real estate agent for advice on how others have improved the exterior before selling and what is most important to potential buyers in your area. It might be additional parking space, neat but low-maintenance gardens or a cute front porch that enjoys the morning sun.
Consider your property’s presentation.
If you’re looking to take your property to the next level, then it is all about how your property presents visually to potential buyers throughout the duration of your marketing campaign.
Whether it’s investing in a few new decorative pieces to style up your home or enlisting the help of a professional stager to completely overhaul your property, it’s important you consider the style and aesthetics of your home.
A professional stager knows the real estate market, so it’s important to take their advice seriously and not take offense when they make big changes or suggestions. Their job is to help drum up genuine interest from potential buyers, which is always good news to the seller.
At Perth Style Company, we offer a Pre-Sale Styling Consultation which is designed specifically for lived-in homes. It involves one of our leading home staging experts sharing helpful hints, tips and recommendations to make the most out of your entire property. For more information, visit here.