Ways to Prepare Your House for Sale

Oct 15, 2022 By Susan Kelly

A home on the market for an extended period can make it more difficult to sell. Investing time and money in repairs, staging, and cleaning to get higher bids can be a double-edged sword. Selling your home: what you need to do to get ready To ensure you get the most money possible for your house, follow the detailed instruction in this article.

First, figure out what needs fixing and how to do it. Long-term residence in a single location can lead to a significant accumulation of normal wear and tear. It's tempting to brush off seemingly inconsequential problems as mere peculiarities.

However, potential buyers may view these peculiarities as flaws that diminish your home's worth or as negotiating points at closing. If there are too many obvious fixes, prospective buyers may be wary that there are even worse problems hiding beneath the surface, and they may not offer

It's important to have functional appliances in the kitchen. Make sure all drawers and cupboards can be opened and closed without difficulty. All drains, sinks, and faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms must be fully functional and free of leaks. There shouldn't be any cracked tiles in the bathroom's shower or tub. Water damage should also be checked carefully.

Trouble of Advertising

Want to avoid the trouble of advertising, showings, and fixing things? Understand how to sell to Opendoor. Your HVAC system in the house needs to be in good working order and leak-free. Your water heater, smoke alarms, electrical panel, and breaker boxes must also be checked.

Go outside and take a look at the siding, weather stripping, eaves, and windows. Check for flaws like peeling, cracks, and decay. Patios and decks should be in fine shape. There shouldn't be any rust or rot in the fence. Your landscaping should be kept at a safe distance from your house.

DIY fixes like drywall patching and drain cleaning are possible. For those who have never attempted such maintenance before, you can find helpful video guides on sites like YouTube.

Sometimes it's best to call in the pros for the more complex and critical fixes. Repairing a leaking roof, faulty electrical outlets, or a cracked foundation is a job best left to those with the necessary equipment and expertise.

If you want to boost your home's worth, but are concerned about the time and money it will take to make the necessary repairs and modifications, check out our list of improvement projects that can provide larger returns (based on proprietary Opendoor market data).

Necessary Fixes

All of the necessary fixes should be taken care of before prospective buyers set foot in the house, and a pre-sale inspection can help with that. If the inspection reveals major problems, like the need for a new roof, you can either choose to make the necessary repairs before listing your property for sale or drop your asking price to reflect the condition of the home. HomeAdvisor.com reports that the average cost of an inspection is $483. Buyers typically add a "home inspection contingency" in their offers, giving them the option to back out if the seller and buyer can't come to terms on necessary repairs.

Are you putting off home showings because of the many hours of preparation? It would help if you thought about selling to an iBuyer such as Opendoor. Here at Opendoor, we charge a flat fee for a smooth sale procedure devoid of the typical listing, showing, and waiting period. Regarding closing, you can set the date that works best for you. Please take a look at our manual to get a better understanding of Opendoor's home inspection and repair services.

Remove Any Unnecessary Items

Remove unnecessary items and clean the area, so it appears larger. Make your rooms look as roomy as possible, especially the kitchen, bathroom, and storage areas, as these are often the most appealing aspects of a home to potential buyers. Expert home stagers suggest clearing out half of your belongings before staging.

Getting your house ready to sell includes a thorough cleaning. Clear the clutter and put things in order all across your house. Don't assume that potential buyers won't search in closets, cabinets, attics, and basements. Use containers that can be stashed away in a closet or basement. By placing baskets or cubbies inside cabinets, clutter can be hidden and the space can appear more organized.

When you declutter, don't forget to include the furniture. Your furniture must fit the space, and potential purchasers can move freely around it. Always check the furniture placement to ensure it does not obstruct any walkways, windows, or other openings. Removing occasional tables and accent chairs can help make a room look larger, such as in a living room. Relocation is never ideal, but try to keep in mind that it's only temporary.

During the home-selling process, you may need to rent a storage facility. The greatest method to make the most of your home space is to store your things elsewhere. According to MovingTips, the monthly cost of a storage unit can be anywhere from $30 to $300, based on factors such as size, location, and amenities like climate control and security.

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