How to Get Your House Ready To Sell

Selling your house can be both an exciting and daunting endeavor. The process involves numerous steps, from deciding to list your property to finally handing over the keys to the new owner. One of the most critical phases is preparing your house for sale. This preparation can significantly influence how quickly your home sells and the price it fetches. Hiring an experienced real estate agent to guide you through this process will help ensure your house is market-ready, appeals to potential buyers, and primed for a smooth sale. In this guide, Kristie Potts, an experienced listing agent in the Charleston area, summarizes these steps.

The first step in preparing your house for sale is to declutter and depersonalize each space. Potential buyers need to envision themselves living in the house, which can be difficult if your personal items are filling up the space. Start by removing family photos, memorabilia, and personalized decorations. Next, tackle the clutter. Go through each room and remove unnecessary items. Consider renting a storage unit for furniture and other belongings that make spaces in your home look crowded. Clean and clear surfaces, floors, and walls help buyers focus on the space itself, not on your belongings. It may be difficult to put away things that are sentimental, but think about it as getting a start on the packing process.

Nothing turns off buyers like a dirty house. A deep clean can do wonders for your home’s appeal. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Appliances should be spotless and in good working order. Don't overlook small details—clean the grout, wash the windows, dust the blinds, and ensure the walls are mark-free. Consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure that no nook or cranny is overlooked. This step is crucial for making a strong first impression during showings.

Prospective buyers will scrutinize your home for any faults that could become future headaches. Take time to inspect your home and fix any problems. This includes repairing leaky faucets, fixing broken fixtures, replacing burnt-out light bulbs, and addressing any cosmetic damages like scuffs on walls or cracked tiles. Major issues, such as problems with the roof or foundation, should also be assessed and repaired if necessary. Presenting a home that is well-maintained will communicate to buyers that the property is taken care of, potentially speeding up the sale process.

While bright and bold colors might reflect your personal style, they might not suit everyone. When preparing to sell your house, repaint the walls with neutral colors like beige, gray, or off-white. Neutral walls serve as a blank canvas, allowing buyers to imagine their own furniture and decor in the space. Additionally, fresh paint makes your home appear cleaner and more appealing.

First impressions are lasting, and the first thing a buyer will see is the exterior of your home. Enhancing your home’s curb appeal can significantly impact a buyer’s first impression. Start with basic landscaping: mow the lawn, prune the bushes, weed the garden, and clear the walkways. If you have a front porch, make it inviting with a clean doormat and perhaps a couple of potted plants. Ensure the exterior paint is not chipped or faded and that the front door is appealing. An attractive exterior can make a prospective buyer excited to see the interior.

Staging your home involves arranging furniture and decor to showcase your home's features and potential. As a real estate agent with staging experience, Kristie will make recommendations for each room. You want to ensure that furniture is arranged to maximize the feeling of space; remove bulky items that make the space feel crowded. Use lighting effectively to make the home feel warm and welcoming. Highlight areas like reading nooks or office spaces to show the potential of the home. For an unfurnished home, you may consider contracting with a professional staging company to furnish your home to ensure it appeals to the broadest audience. If hiring a professional is not within your budget, there are other options including virtual staging.

In today’s digital age, most homebuyers start their search online, making high-quality photos more important than ever. ALWAYS hire a professional photographer who can capture the beauty and key selling points of your home. A professional will understand how to make rooms look bigger and brighter, which can attract more buyers to your listing. Kristie Potts believes you never sacrifice the quality of your photos or online presence. “Your listing photos ARE your first showing. In fact, I recently listed a home and received an offer based solely on the listing photos – the buyers had never been inside the home!” Kristie also works with the photographer to capture all the important features of the home.

Be ready to show your home at any time. Keep your house clean and tidy. Personal items should be neatly stored away, and pets should be taken care of during showings. Pleasant aromas can make the environment welcoming, so consider baking cookies or lighting a scented candle before potential buyers arrive.

Setting the right price for your home is crucial. If you price it too high, your home may linger on the market; too low, and you might not get the return on your investment. Research the local market thoroughly or consider hiring a professional appraiser to get an accurate value of your property. Your real estate agent can also provide insights based on their experience and knowledge of local trends.

Preparing your house for sale might require time and effort, but it’s a crucial part of the selling process. By decluttering, repairing, and staging your home effectively, you can enhance its appeal and possibly shorten the time it spends on the market. Remember, the goal is to make your home a welcoming, enticing place that stands out to potential buyers. With these steps, you’re well on your way to putting up that "Sold" sign.

Hiring the right real estate professional as your partner will help ensure your greatest success. If you are ready to list your home in Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, or the greater Charleston area, partnering with Kristie Potts is the first step. As part of her listing plan for each Seller, Kristie provides a customized pre-listing report which documents recommendations for each of the above steps, room by room.

As an experienced South Carolina real estate agent who has lived in the area for over 30 years, Kristie can help you buy, sell, or invest with confidence.

Contact Kristie Potts today to learn how she can help you!