8 Steps to Prepare Your Home to Sell

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This article was provided by Kris Louis  - Parenting with Kris -  Thank You Kris!

It takes seconds for buyers to form a first impression of your home. That's why it's so important to present the best side of your home — at the best price — from the moment you list. If you're selling your home, Home Inspection Tennessee LLC recommends these seven tasks you need to take to prepare.

Research Your Market
Are you in a competitive market where homes are snatched up as soon as they list, or will you have to stand out in order to net a good price for your home? Understanding your local market helps you determine how much work to put into your home before listing.
 
Research the average listing price and the average number of days homes spent on the market in your area. This will give you a feel for economic conditions. If prices are up and homes are selling quickly, a few cosmetic updates may be plenty to attract offers. But if great homes are spending a long time on the market, expect to put more energy into selling your home.

Look at Comparable Homes
Your agent's recommended asking price shouldn't come as a surprise. Investigate your home's current value before meeting with your agent. While online estimators are helpful, the best way to understand your home's value is by researching comparable homes. As the Balance explains, comparable homes are within close proximity to your home, have similar bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage and lot size, and offer similar features as your home. If you find five to 10 comparable homes within the same price range, your home will likely fall within that range.

List Your Home Online
These days, a lot of people shop for homes online. So, it’s important to take advantage of modern apps that will allow you to list your home, complete with an abundance of information and excellent photography. According to SmartAsset, smartphone apps like Zillow, Redfin, Homesnap, and Houzz allow you to make the most of your online listing. However, if your phone is older and can’t handle newer apps, then you might need to upgrade before you can take advantage of these incredible tools. Try focusing on a newer model that includes useful features such as a high-quality display, 5G internet capability, and a super fast smartphone chip.

Start Packing
Before scheduling real estate photography, perform a thorough decluttering of your home. Lightly furnished and decorated homes look best in photographs. Decluttering also ensures prospective buyers have space to walk through your home and that they see your home, not your stuff. Store items you're keeping with family or in a storage facility until you move.

Deep Clean
After decluttering comes deep cleaning the home's interior and exterior. Inside, a professional cleaning service should be hired to complete a top-to-bottom clean. Outside, hard surfaces should be power washed. It's possible to damage siding with power washers. If cleaning your home's exterior yourself, the Vinyl Siding Institute recommends washing siding with water, soap, and a soft-bristled brush to avoid damage.

Refresh the Interior
Buyers want their future home to feel fresh and new. However, many odors linger even after deep cleaning. To duplicate the appeal of a freshly built home, include repainting and replacing the carpet in your home prep plan. Avoid varying paint and carpeting too much throughout the home. While subtle color differences between rooms can work, your home's color scheme should be cohesive.

Modernize Hardware and Fixtures
Lighting, cabinet, and sink hardware are the quickest ways to date your home. Unless you're selling a recently purchased home, your house could probably use modern touches in these areas. Replace light fixtures, cabinet pulls, and faucets with modern styles, paying special attention to kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms.

Improve Curb Appeal
​All your interior efforts will be for naught if your home's exterior turns buyers away. So, improve your home's curb appeal by manicuring the lawn and laying dark mulch around trees, shrubs and flower beds. If your flower beds are bare, installing mature plants is a quick way to add seasonal color. Sellers should also ensure the front porch is clean, trash cans are placed out of sight and the mailbox is modern and well-maintained.
 
With these tasks complete, your home is ready to compete in the local marketplace. However, your work as a seller isn't done. Ensure your home stays clean and tidy throughout the selling process so every buyer who views your home gets the same great experience.
 
Getting your home inspected is also crucial in selling your home. When you're ready to schedule the inspection, contact Home Inspection Tennessee LLC