Introduction

 

If you thinking about selling your home, there are some important steps that you need to take. These steps will help you make sure that the whole process goes smoothly, your home gets the attention of potential buyers, and that it sells for the best possible price. These steps include things like home staging, doing repairs and renovations, and upgrading your curb appeal.

 

In this article, we’ll thoroughly explain the home selling process and give you the most important insights if you ask yourself, “What should I do to my home before I sell it”?

 

Additionally, we’ll also go over what should you not do before selling your house.

 

 

Estimate your home’s value

 

Estimating your home’s value before selling it is essential because it helps you to set a realistic price for your home. If your asking price is too high, it may not attract buyers and could sit on the market for a long time. On the other hand, if you price it too low, you may not capture the full value of your home.

 

An accurately done estimate can also be helpful in determining a reasonable home value. Especially if you are refinancing your mortgage or if you are trying to appeal your property taxes. There are several ways to estimate the value of your home:

 

Comparable Sales

Look at the prices of recently sold properties in your area. This is called a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) and is often used by many real estate agents and appraisers.

 

Online Home Value Calculators

There are many websites that offer free and/or paid home value estimates. Some of the best ones include Zillow, Homescala,  Redfin,  Realtor, Homes.com, and Trulia.

 

Professional Appraisal

A professional appraiser can provide a more accurate estimate of your home’s value by inspecting your property and considering factors such as location, size, condition, and amenities.

 

Assessor’s office

Check with your local assessor’s office to see what your home is assessed for. Keep in mind that the estimated value may not reflect the actual fair market value of your home.

 

It is essential to use multiple sources to get an accurate estimation of your home’s value. An agent or appraiser can provide you with a detailed report on your home.

 

If you want to know if you should renovate your home before selling it, read our article:

 

Should You Renovate Your Home Before Selling It?

 

 

Clean and declutter your home

 

Cleaning and decluttering are important when selling your home because they help to create a positive first impression for potential buyers. A clean and well-organized home will appear more spacious, welcoming, and well-maintained, which can make it more appealing to buyers. Additionally, decluttering allows potential buyers to better envision themselves living in the home. It also allows them to see the full potential of the space.

 

A clean and decluttered home is easier to photograph and showcase in virtual tours, which can be critical in attracting potential buyers. Clean and decluttered homes also often receive better offers and sell faster than those that are dirty and cluttered.

 

Here are some tips for cleaning and decluttering your home before selling it:

1. Start by going room by room, and make a list of items that need to be cleaned or decluttered.
2. Begin by decluttering by getting rid of items that you no longer need or use. This can include clothing, furniture, and household items that are no longer needed. You can donate, sell or throw away the items that are not needed.
3. Next, focus on deep cleaning each room. This may include tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, and mopping. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, as these are the areas that buyers will be most interested in.
4. Organize closets and cabinets to make them appear more spacious. This can be done by removing unnecessary items and arranging the remaining items in a neat and organized way.
5. Clean windows and mirrors, making sure they are spotless and streak-free. This will allow more natural light into the room and make the space appear brighter and more inviting.
6. Tackle the exterior of the home, making sure the lawn is trimmed, and the landscaping is well-maintained. Clean gutters and power wash the exterior of the home and the driveway.
7. Lastly, consider hiring a professional cleaner to do a deep cleaning of your home before you put it on the market. This can be especially helpful if you have pets or children, as they can leave behind odors or stains that are difficult to remove.

 

Remember, the goal is to make your home as clean, decluttered, and visually appealing as possible to potential buyers, so they can see themselves living there.

 

 

Make necessary repairs or renovations

 

If you plan to sell your home, you may ask yourself, “What improvements are worth doing before selling my house?“. If you want to sell your home fast and for top dollar, it is crucial to make the necessary repairs or renovations to increase its value and make it much more appealing to potential buyers.

 

Some repairs or renovations that you should consider making before selling your home include the following:

 

Fixing any structural or safety issues

Fixing any structural or safety issues, such as loose items, shaky railings, broken windows, or a faulty electrical system, is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of potential buyers.

 

Update the kitchen and bathrooms

Updating the kitchen and bathrooms can add significant value to your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Consider updating appliances, countertops, and fixtures.

 

Painting

A fresh coat of paint can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your home and make it more appealing to buyers.

 

Replacing or Refinishing Floors

Replacing your floors can be an excellent boost for your home’s aesthetics. You can always replace your worn-of carpet with laminate floors or even update to inexpensive engineered wooden floors. If your floors are made from solid wood, you can always refinish them for a fraction of the cost of new floors.

 

Improve energy efficiency

Making your home more energy efficient will increase your chances of selling it faster. Make sure you upgrade your old appliances with energy-efficient ones. Fixing or replacing doors and windows will additionally boost your home value.

 

Small things matter

Small things matter, so make sure you go over all the minor problems in your home. This can include changing leaky faucets, replacing or repairing squeaky doors, lights that don’t work, or even windows that don’t close properly.

 

Remember that not all repairs or renovations are necessary or will add value to your home. Prioritize the repairs that will have the most impact on the appearance and functionality of your home.

 

It’s also important to keep in mind your budget while making repairs. Homescala’s Renovation Portal can give you a good idea of what renovations will bring the best return on investment.

 

If you want to learn how you can increase your home value, read our article:

 

11 Tips to Increase Your Home Value

 

 

Upgrade your curb appeal

 

Upgrading your curb appeal is important because it can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. A well-manicured lawn, trimmed hedges, and colorful flowers can make a big change for the better in the overall appearance of your home and make it more inviting to potential buyers.

 

Additionally, a nicely landscaped yard can make your home stand out from the competition and help it to sell more quickly.

 

A good curb appeal can also increase the perceived value of your home by making it look more attractive and well-maintained. When a potential future buyer pulls up to your home, it’s often the first thing they’ll notice, and if it appears well-maintained, it can make them feel more optimistic about the home as a whole.

 

In contrast, a poorly landscaped yard can make your home look uninviting and give the impression that the home has been neglected.

 

Good curb appeal can also help to increase the value of your home by making it stand out from the competition and making it more attractive to potential buyers. This can help to increase the final selling price of your home, which can help to offset the cost of any upgrades or repairs that you have made to your home.

 

Here are several curb appeal renovation ideas that can help you sell your home:

1. Landscaping. A well-manicured lawn, trimmed hedges, and colorful flowers can greatly enhance the curb appeal of your home.
2. Exterior Painting. A fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home can make it look more attractive and well-maintained.
3. Upgrading your front door. Replacing an old or outdated front door with a new one can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of your home and make it more inviting to potential buyers.
4. Lighting. Adding outdoor lighting can make your home stand out from the competition and make it more inviting to potential buyers.
5. Pressure washing. Power wash the exterior of your home in order to make it look more attractive and well-maintained.
6. New windows. Installing new windows can improve energy efficiency and give a fresh look to your home.

 

Keep in mind to prioritize the renovations that will have the most impact on the appearance and functionality of your home and your budget. However, you should also know that not all renovations are going to come with the desired Return on Investment (ROI), so you should do your research and prioritize renovations that will yield a good ROI.

 

If you are interested in what you should do with an inherited home, read our article:

 

You Inherited a Home, Now What?

 

 

Prepare a detailed list of all the items that will be included in the sale of your home

 

Preparing a detailed list of all the items that will be included in the sale of your home is important because it helps to set clear expectations for potential buyers. This list should include any appliances, fixtures, or other items that will be left in the home as part of the sale. This is important because buyers will want to know what items are included in the sale so they can plan accordingly and budget for any additional items they may need to purchase.

 

Additionally, a detailed list of items included in the sale can help to avoid confusion and potential issues during the closing process. By providing a clear list of what is included in the sale, you can help to prevent misunderstandings and disputes that may arise over missing or damaged items.

 

Having a detailed list of included items can also be a powerful marketing tool, as it can help to highlight the value of the home and attract potential buyers who are looking for a home that is move-in ready. This can be especially helpful if your home includes high-end appliances, fixtures, or other items that are in good condition and add value to the home.

 

In summary, a detailed list of items included in the sale can help set clear expectations for buyers, prevent confusion and disputes during the closing process, and showcase the value of your home.

 

Stage your home

 

Home staging is the process of preparing your home for selling by making it look as attractive as it could be to potential buyers. This can include things such as decluttering, rearranging furniture, and making minor repairs or upgrades.

 

Home staging is essential because it helps potential buyers envision themselves living in your home and can make the home appear more spacious, updated, and well-maintained. Also, staging can help neutralize personal touches or unusual decor choices that may be off-putting to some buyers.

 

Here are some tips for home staging:

1. Declutter and depersonalize. Remove any clutter and personal items, such as family photos, so that potential buyers can see themselves in the space.
2. Rearrange furniture. Rearrange furniture to create a more open and inviting floor plan and highlight key features of the home.
3. Use neutral colors. Use neutral colors on the walls and in decor to make the space feel bigger and more attractive to a broader range of buyers.
4. Add lighting. Add lighting or increase the wattage of existing light bulbs to brighten the space. Additionally, keep curtains open during home showings to allow more natural light to come into the rooms.
5. Add fresh flowers and plants. Add fresh flowers or plants to create a welcoming and natural atmosphere.
6. Add new accessories. Add new additions such as pillows, throws, and artwork to give the home a fresh and updated look.
7. Consider hiring a professional stager. If you’re unsure about how to best stage your home, consider hiring a professional home stager who can give you advice and help you prepare your home for sale.

 

By following these tips, you can help potential buyers envision living in your home and increase the chances of a quick and profitable sale.

 

If you want to learn how to stage your home in more detail, make sure you read our article on the topic:

 

Home Staging – Everything You Need to Know to Sell Your Home Fast

 

 

Hire a real estate agent

 

Hiring a good real estate agent is essential because they have the knowledge, experience, and resources to help you sell your home for the best possible price and in the shortest amount of time. Real estate agents have access to local real estate market data and are able to provide a Comparative Market Analysis to help you determine the best-asking price for your home.

 

They also have a network of contacts, including other agents and potential buyers, which can increase the visibility of your property and the chances of finding a buyer.

 

Here are some reasons why hiring a real estate agent can be beneficial when selling a home:

1. Pricing expertise. Real estate agents have access to local market data and can provide a Comparative Market Analysis to help determine the best listing price for your home.
2. Marketing. An experienced agent knows how to market your property to attract the right buyers by combining online and offline marketing strategies, including professional photography and virtual tours.
3. Network. Real estate agents usually have a vast network of contacts, including other agents and potential buyers, which can increase the visibility of your property and the chances of finding a buyer.
4. Negotiation. They are experienced and great negotiators, and they can also help you navigate the negotiation process to ensure you get the best price for your home.
5. Legal and paperwork. Real estate agents are familiar with most of the paperwork and legal requirements needed to sell your home and can guide you through the process and help you avoid any potential pitfalls.
6. Time saver. Selling a home can be time-consuming, with many viewings, negotiations, and paperwork. A real estate agent can take care of all these tasks so that you can focus on other things.

 

In summary, hiring a good real estate agent can save you time, money and help you navigate the whole process with less stress.

 

 

Select a reputable title company or attorney

 

Selecting a reputable settlement company or attorney when selling your home is important because they play a crucial role in ensuring that the legal and financial aspects of the transaction are handled properly. They are responsible for preparing and reviewing legal documents, such as the purchase agreement and closing documents, and for coordinating the transfer of ownership and the distribution of funds.

 

A reputable settlement company or attorney will have the experience and knowledge to properly handle these tasks, ensuring that the process goes smoothly and that all parties involved are protected. They should also be able to advise you on any legal or financial issues that may arise during the sale. On the other hand, an unscrupulous or inexperienced company or attorney may make mistakes that could delay the sale or result in financial loss, or even may commit fraud.

 

In addition, using a reputable settlement company or attorney can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have a professional handling the legal and financial aspects of the transaction and that you are protected from any legal issues that may arise.

 

There are a few ways to find a reputable settlement company or real estate attorney:

1. Ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have had a positive experience with a settlement company or real estate attorney.
2. Ask for recommendations from your real estate agent.
3. Check online reviews and ratings of settlement companies or attorneys on sites such as Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau.
4. Research the company’s or attorney’s qualifications and experience by checking their website and professional listings.

 

Final touches

 

After doing all the repairs and renovations, and upgrading your curb appeal, there are a few final touches that you can do in order to make your home more appealing to potential home buyers and sell faster. These include keeping all of your lights on while showing your home, lighting some scented candles whenever you have showings, and opening all of the curtains during showings. A small tray of freshly baked cookies can even add to the magic.

 

A few other things you can do is to add a new mailbox, house numbers, and a new welcome mat. Additionally, you can hire a professional photographer to take professional photos of your home that you can later use to showcase your home to potential buyers online.

 

These final touches, combined with the steps mentioned earlier, can be crucial in making your home more appealing to potential buyers and, with that, increase your chances of selling your home faster and for the highest price.

 

 

What should you not do before selling your house

 

There are many things we mentioned above that you can or should do to help you sell your home faster and increase your home’s sale price. However, there are some things you shouldn’t do before selling your home, as they will bring more damage than value throughout the selling process.

 

Things you should avoid doing if you want to sell your house faster and for the best price possible:

1. Ignoring repairs and updates. Ignoring repairs or neglecting to make updates can make your home look dated and less desirable to potential buyers.
2. Personalizing too much. Making the home too personal or unique with decor or specific style can make it much more difficult for potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.
3. Being too emotional. Getting too emotionally invested in your home can make it complicated to make objective decisions and can make negotiations more difficult.
4. Skipping professional cleaning. Not thoroughly cleaning the house and yard before showings can give a bad first impression.
5. Not decluttering. Not decluttering and removing personal items can make the home appear smaller and cramped.
6. Not staging. Not staging your home can make it harder for potential buyers to visualize how they would use the space.
7. Not being flexible with showings. Not being flexible with showings can make it difficult for potential buyers to view the home and can discourage them from making an offer.

 

Avoiding these mistakes can increase the chances of selling your home quickly and at the best price.

 

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, before selling your home, it’s essential to take steps to prepare it for the selling process. These steps include decluttering and depersonalizing, making repairs and updates, and staging the home to make it more attractive to potential buyers and get you multiple offers.

 

You should also ensure that the outside of your home looks well-maintained and inviting and that the inside is clean and free of odors. Additionally, it is beneficial to hire a real estate agent. A real estate agent can help you navigate the whole process from start to end and provide expertise on pricing, marketing, and negotiation.

 

Lastly, it is essential to be flexible with showings and make sure that your home is always ready for potential buyers to view. By following these steps, you can increase the chances of potentially selling your home at the highest price possible.

 

Homescala’s Renovation Portal can help you determine the value of your home. If you decide to do any renovations before you sell your home, you can also find out the renovation cost, as well as the value of your home after the renovation. Additionally, you can find materials and money-saving recommendations, as well as information on what renovations will yield the highest ROI, which can be crucial for you to make an informed decision.