However you go about selling your home you already know that there is prep work involved. As your home is typically your biggest financial asset it is highly recommended that you think about the process and do your due diligence. To get the most money for your home in the shortest time frame you will want to make your home as attractive as possible to a potential buyer.

Declutter, De-personalize, Deep Clean

Your potential buyer can imagine themselves living in your home when it is decluttered and de-personalized. Putting away pictures, memorabilia, etc. helps buyers seeing themselves living in your home. You are moving, so go right ahead and began packing.

“I’ve noticed that people forget to empty as much as they can out of the home,” says Noe Favela, one of Illinois’ top-selling real estate agents with over 15 years of experience. Instead, pack what you don’t need for everyday life as you’re decluttering and depersonalizing. The more you pack up during this stage, the less you need to pack when ready to move!

Cleaning is essential to receive the most money possible for your home. Homelight advises that preparing your home to be viewed by potential buyers may require hiring a professional cleaning crew. Cleaning may include washing the windows inside and out; renting a pressure washer and spraying down sidewalks and the exterior; recaulking tubs, showers, and sinks; and polishing chrome faucets and mirrors. Make sure all of the dust is removed from under the furniture, in the cabinets and closets, and everywhere else it could be hiding.

Try to maintain this cleanliness by vacuuming daily, waxing floors, dusting furniture, and keeping the bathrooms and kitchen spotless. Hang up fresh guest towels, and keep the toilet lid closed when it’s not in use.

Address Repairs

Repairs can make or break a sale and may entice a buyer to offer less for the home.

Replace cracked floor or counter tiles, and patch any holes in the walls. Fix leaky faucets and doors that don’t close properly, as well as kitchen drawers that jam. Fix a leaky faucet. Paint exterior door jambs. Consider painting walls neutral colors, especially if they’re currently hot pink or purple. Don’t give buyers any reason to remember your home as “the one with the orange bathroom.”

Spruce Up Front Entry

The front of the home is the first thing buyers see, both online and in person. Make sure it is inviting.

Be sure the buyers can see your house number. Check that the front steps are in good repair and clean of cobwebs, etc. Add flowers or other landscaping. Buyers will not buy your home if they can’t get past the front entry.

We Can Help

This is a good starting point for selling a home. There are more things to consider such as lighting; shiny bathrooms and kitchens; linens and pillows; organizing drawers and closets (buyers will look there); rearranging furniture to accent your home; wiping down switches, door handles, and outlet covers; garbage and recyling; and setting the thermostat for showings.

Tucker Benner Realty will help you every step of the way. Call or text when you are ready to prep for a sale.

Marilyn Tucker