Old and outdated lighting fixtures and bulbs make your home feel dull and uninviting. An easy fix for this is to replace all your existing bulbs with the highest wattage bulbs possible. You can also remove blinds and drapes and even cut down overgrown bushes outside to let more light in. 

A house with excellent storage options is inherently more valuable than one with limited storage. To help show off your home’s storage capabilities, tidy up all your closets and storage spaces. Most of the time, we recommend taking at least 50% of your belongings from these areas and storing them elsewhere during viewings. This helps potential buyers see how much storage there is, potentially increasing bids.

Many potential sellers believe that they have to do significant upgrades to their homes to increase their value. In fact, you’ll get a much greater return on your investment if you stick to simple, quick fixes rather than significant upgrades. Focus on fixing leaky faucets, creaking doors, and old cracked caulk rather than a considerable renovation. 

Depersonalizing your home is a crucial step in getting your house ready for the market. It can be challenging for potential buyers to see themselves in a home if it’s already full of someone else’s belongings. To make it easier to stage and sell, remove most of your personal items, especially anything valuable you do not wish to leave in the house during viewings.

Many people judge a home by its exterior, and this first impression can make or break a sale. Tidying up the exterior of your home will boost its value and increase its sales potential. From repainting your front door to repaving your driveway or even just pulling up weeds from your front walk, there are lots of minor changes that will make your exterior shine. 

During the selling process, your agent and potential buyers will ask lots of questions about your home, including the dates and costs of all major renovations and repairs. Having this paperwork handy will help limit back-and-forth, leading to a quicker sale. 

When you put your home on the market, you want it to look its best. Any damage, wear and tear, or grime, even if it’s aesthetic, can make your home look less inviting, leading to reduced interest and potentially even lower offers. Hiring a professional cleaner offers a level of cleanliness that’s difficult to get with at-home equipment and can save you hours of work. 

83% of buyer’s agents say that staging a home makes it easier for their clients to picture themselves living there. Additionally, 25% say that home staging increased their clients’ dollar amount offered by at least 1%. To help get the best value for your house, consider hiring a home stager to do at least a few critical rooms like the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen. 

The listing photos are the first thing potential buyers see when they check out your home, so you want them to look great. Instead of taking them yourself, opt for professional photos to ensure your home is showcased in the best possible light. 

An agent is your gateway into the marketplace. It can offer you recommendations on pricing and timing for your sale to ensure you get the most value for your home. They are also responsible for guiding you through the paperwork and can advise on everything from repairs to staging. Make sure you hire a great agent who is reliable, diligent, and focused on your success.