Over our last few posts, we’ve been detailing some of the essential steps to take as you prepare your house for market.
So far, we’ve explored some simple, DIY plumbing projects. We’ve offered some tips on decluttering. We’ve taken a deep dive into deep cleaning!
Our governing principle in all of this is the notion that the best way to sell a home is to truly wow house hunters and potential buyers with a dazzling first impression—and that no detail is too minor or too trivial!
Today, we’re going to wrap up our series on how to get your house sold via strong first impressions, specifically focusing on some decor suggestions and finishing touches.
But remember, to get more to tips for selling your house, you’re always welcome to request your FREE report from SOLD.com. In it, we’ll outline some individualized advice for how to pursue your home sale, whether on your own or with the help of an agent. Get your free report today!
Get Your Home Sold: Decor, Finishing Touches, Etc.
Clear the clutter!
We already did a whole post about this, but it bears repeating here: If you want to sell your home quickly, and for top dollar, it’s important that you really illustrate how spacious it is. That means eliminating as much clutter as you can.
Our practical advice here is to seriously think about renting a short-term storage unit, where you can stash the stuff you don’t want to get rid of, but don’t necessarily need taking up room in your house while it’s on the market.
Cut back on personal items.
A common misconception about home staging is that you want to make it feel like a home— which means including a lot of personal artifacts, family photos, etc.
There’s nothing wrong with having a few such items on display. However, you don’t want to overdo it. Buyers ultimately need to envision themselves and their own families in your space— and if your living room looks like a shrine to your children, that can be challenging.
A related point: It’s generally a good idea to remove religious artwork and artifacts from your home, as much as possible.
Put your valuables somewhere safe.
Something else you’ll want to do is take anything you have that’s really priceless or irreplaceable, including expensive furniture and artwork, and put it into safe keeping.
Just remember that, while you have your home on the market, you’ll have a lot of strangers walking through every day—house hunters, real estate agents, home inspectors, handymen, appraisers, and more.
It’s wise not to leave anything out that could get damaged or stolen.
Rearrange your furniture.
One of our top tips for selling your house is to adjust the furniture layout in your home.
You probably have everything set up to create maximum comfort for you and yours. We don’t blame you! But remember, when you have your home on the market, the focus should be on creating smooth traffic flows; a sense of openness; and as much spaciousness as possible.
This might mean changing where you position your furniture. It may even mean removing some furniture pieces you don’t really need, especially oversized pieces that hog space.
Get some fresh flowers.
Something else you can do is bring some greenery into your home—anything to make the place feel fresh or vibrant.
That might mean some nice tabletop flower arrangements, which add a splash of color to your living space. However, ensure you keep your houseplants well-watered, and toss anything that’s dead or quickly dying.
Just don’t overdo it here. You want some greenery, but you don’t want your home to feel overrun with plant life!
Make the bathrooms inviting.
Sooner or later, you’re going to have a house hunter who needs to use the facilities.
Make sure theirs is a positive experience. Our tips:
- Replace old/frayed towels with some nice, fresh ones.
- Make sure the TP is fully stocked!
- Before showings, guarantee that all toilets are flushing properly.
Learn the Best Way to Sell a Home
The bottom line for sellers: Every little detail is worth thinking about, every part of your home worth enhancing.
Learn more about the best ways to sell your home by getting your SOLD.com report today.
