Sellers always ask me what we must do to prepare our house for sale. Should we update anything? Should we clean it?
Let's simplify selling your home: What do you do when you are going for a new promotion or interviewing for a new job? Your home is doing that when you put it on the Real Estate market. It is interviewing for a new buyer and owner. So, let's approach getting your home ready to go on the Real Estate market just like you would prepare for a new job interview.
1) Updated resume
When you go in for a job interview, you should first update your resume. When selling your home, you should also update your home resume for the new buyer.
Gather:
- All invoices from improvements you have done on the home
- Utility costs for the past 12 months (gas, electric, water, etc.)
- HOA documents
- Any inspections done on the home, including sewer line or septic
2) Update your interview apparel
When you go into an interview, you usually update your suit to ensure you present yourself in the best light. First impressions are everything.
Your home may need to update some of its "apparel" to make the best impression on new buyers.
- Light fixtures
- Carpet
- Refinish wood floors
- Plumbing fixtures
- Paint
These can be small projects that can change potential buyers' impressions of your home. Remember, first impressions are everything.
3) Take a Shower!
More than likely, you would only show up to a job interview if you took a shower beforehand. This is the same thing for your home!
Deep cleaning your home can make it shine to a potential buyer! This includes carpet cleaning, grout cleaning, and window cleaning.
Walking into a really cleaned home allows buyers to see it in a better light and imagine themselves moving into it.
