Get Top Dollar for Your Home In 2018
Placing your home on the market can be a bit overwhelming so it’s important to have a real estate agent who can help you get prepared for the sale. Below we share some ideas we’d like you to consider to get top dollar for your home in 2018.
Timing
When the inventory is low, it is always the best time to put your house on the market. We typically recommend being one of the first homes on the market in January. In our area, January and February are the coldest months of the year, and inventory is low. However, the beginning of the year is when we see an upswing of excited buyers looking for homes. The holidays are over, the company is gone, and people are ready to start checking off their to-dos for the year. If you wait for the flowers to bloom and nice weather of Spring, you will have missed those buyers who started looking right after the holidays.
Outside Preparation
First impressions are so important when listing your home and that starts when a potential buyer pulls up to the front of your home. We recommend power washing the house and removing any mold, mildew or dirt that is on the exterior of your house. Take care of the landscaping by mulching, weeding and planting seasonal flowers and shrubs. Trim your trees so the branches are not touching the house or hanging over the roof. We also recommend looking at the gutters and roof, to make sure they are clean and free of debris and to repair any lifted or damaged shingles so everything looks uniform and in good repair. You should also take a look at the driveway and resurface, if necessary. If you have an in-ground pool, open it as soon as possible so potential buyers interested in a pool will be able to see it operational. Lastly, your front porch should be inviting and free of clutter. If your home is on a cul-de-sac, let your neighbors know you are listing your home, so the common areas can be clear of items such as basketball hoops and bikes.
Renovations and Necessary Updates
Updated kitchens and bathrooms are two of the best ways to update a home and get the best return on your investment. HGTV shares with us their list of the Top 15 Home Updates That Pay Off and bathrooms are number one while kitchens are number three. Countertops are an easy and important update. While you don’t need high-end granite, it is a good idea to update a laminate countertop. In our area, stainless steel appliances are still very popular and an attractive alternative to the standard black or white appliances. Additionally, lighting and faucets are great ways to improve the look of a room and modernize the home without much out of pocket expense.
Flooring is another important update. Have your carpets professionally cleaned or replaced, when necessary. If there is hardwood under the carpet, you may want to expose it. Exposed hardwood floors are very appealing if they are in good shape so don’t hesitate to pull the carpet up and show it off.
Staging
When staging your home, remember that less is more. Get rid of what you no longer want, pack up is the items going to the next house and create clean lines for showing. We recommend no more than 2 or 3 items on any surface. Open walkways and hallways by removing furniture and allow for more space to move.
Create the feeling of a model home by removing personal effects, such as photos and knick-knacks. Remove towels from the bathroom, and push furniture from corners of the room to flat walls, giving the effect of more floor space.
The most important thing to remember when putting your home on the market is to allow the new owners to picture themselves in the space. We are always happy to advise you on what is best for your specific home. Call our office and schedule a consultation today – 301.644.1056.