Choose Low-Maintenance Materials
If you're doing some last-minute upgrades to sell your home, such as replacing flooring or countertops, choose low-maintenance materials. Many potential buyers don't want to spend a lot of time with cleaning and maintenance. Also, make sure your yard is low-maintenance so buyers aren't intimidated by potential upkeep.
Remove Personal Items
If you have a lot of family photos on the wall or several pieces of your child's artwork on the refrigerator door, you should take them down and store them out of sight. This will help buyers see the home as a clean slate they could make their own. It might be sad to take those personal items down but it will help you sell your home in the meantime.
Clear the Clutter
Nothing turns off buyers more than clutter. So get rid of that clutter to sell your home. Clear off shelves, the fireplace mantel and tables of any unnecessary items. These Clutter-Busting Strategies for Every Room can help.
Photo: Room27/Shutterstock
Upgrade Lighting
If your lamps and other light fixtures are outdated, consider replacing them with modern ones. Buyers don't want to feel like they're taking a step back in time with outdated fixtures. This is an easy fix that will help sell your home.
Fix Pet Issues
Did Fido leave a stain on the living room carpet? Does the basement smell like a cat's litter box? Address these issues before potential buyers visit the home. Pet smells are serious turn offs when trying to sell your home.
Here are 14 Cleaning Tips Every Dog or Cat Owner Should Know.
Update Paint
Since not everyone has the same color preference, apply fresh coats of neutral-colored paint on the walls. Follow these 10 Interior House Painting Tips and Painting Techniques for the Perfect Paint Job.
Do a Thorough Cleaning
Dusty tables, dirty countertops and messy bathrooms won't appeal to buyers. Make sure your home is in show-worthy shape by doing a thorough cleaning. Also, be sure to keep things as tidy as possible while the home is on the market as Realtors could request a showing at any time.
Photo: Africa Studio/Shutterstock
Address Minor Issues
If possible, make minor repairs such as replacing chipped tile, broken door handles and torn window screens before putting your home on the market. The fewer problems your home has, the more attractive it will be to buyers. And this will help you to sell your home faster.
Photo: Lisa S./Shutterstock
Up Curb Appeal
Buyers will first see your home's exterior so make it memorable. Mow the lawn, clean up debris and add some flower pots during the warmer months. During the winter, make sure walkways remain clear of snow and ice.
10 Quick DIY Projects That Add Instant Curb Appeal to Your Home
Photo: romakoma/shutterstock
Wash the Exterior
If your house has siding, carefully use a pressure washer to clean the exterior. Also, make sure the windows are clean and the gutters are clear before you try to sell your home.
Get a Home Inspection
Before trying to sell your home, hire a home inspector. While buyers usually have the home inspected, have an inspection prior to putting the home on the market. This will make you aware of any potential issues that may come up during the sale.
Learn 12 Tips for Getting the Most out of a Home Inspection.
Brag About Walkability
Write out positives about your home's neighborhood and leave the list for potential buyers. Tout your home's walkability, nearby businesses such as grocery stores and restaurants, parks and proximity to public transit. Each point on the walkability score can increase a home's price by an average of $3,250, according to Redfin.com.
Learn 11 Important Things to do When Planning to Sell Your Home.
Add Tech
Adding a smart thermostat or fixtures that can be controlled by a smart phone are attractive upgrades to younger buyers.
Fix Fencing
A fence adds value to your property. If your wood or chain-link fence needs a little TLC, be sure to take care of any repairs before trying to sell your home.
Follow these tips to renew wooden fences.
Roof Repairs
Few things turn away buyers more quickly than a leaky roof, so address roof repairs before trying to sell your home. If your roof needs serious work, be ready to negotiate a lower price with buyers.
Fix Cracks
Fix any cracks in the driveway, walkway or patio. And this will help increase your home's curb appeal and will surely help you sell your home.
Remove Wallpaper
If you have wallpaper or a mural in your home, get rid of it. Then, give those walls a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color before attempting to sell your home.
Clean the Carpet, Polish the Floors to Sell Your Home
Dirty flooring is an immediate turnoff to potential buyers. Rent a carpet cleaner or hire a professional to freshen dirty carpet. If you have wood floors, make sure they are polished and make sure tile floors are spotless.
Learn How to Clean Floors: Wood, Tile, Carpet and Everything Else.
Photo: VGstockstudio/Shutterstock
Update Hardware
If the knobs or handles on your kitchen cupboards or drawers are outdated, update them. It's a cheap upgrade that will give your home a more modern look and will help sell your home.
Clean Fabrics
Clean or wash cushion covers, duvet covers and pillow cases to ensure furnishings look tidy and well-kept. To make your home look more cozy, add a few decorative pillows. If fabric-covered furniture is outdated, remove it or cover it with a neutral-color slipcover.
How to Clean Furniture and Fight Odors Without Chemical Cleaners.
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