Jumping online and searching for home-selling tips can turn up countless ideas and must-dos. But how do you know what is most important? What is worth your time, effort, and-most importantly-your money? I’ve narrowed it down to 9 tried-and-true secrets that will guarantee your home-selling success!

Let’s cut to the chase, shall we?

#1: Getting the price right

Get an expert Comparative Market Analysis to determine your home’s value, then list at the determined price or slightly below. Avoid the temptation to price your home above value, even in a hot market. This could backfire. Some agents will completely avoid showing their buyer overpriced homes, and if the buyer is searching homes online within a specific price range for a specific size and features, your home may not show up on the search results at all. Pricing at or slightly below value will greatly increase buyer traffic and may result in multiple offers, with bids that will likely go over list price.

#2: De-clutter

While the items stuffed in your closets, in the corner of the bedroom, and stacked on the kitchen table don’t bother you, your potential buyer might not feel the same way. These items can be a distraction that keeps the buyer from fully grasping the great home you have. Buyers will be interested in available storage, so remove half the stuff in your closets and neatly organize what’s left. Organize your cabinets as well. Buyers will likely open these areas, so make sure the storage areas are showcased and they like what they see.

#3: Brighten up dark and gloomy spaces

Buyers will want to walk into a bright and cheery home. Take down dark and heavy drapes, open the blinds (or remove them), clean the windows, trim back overgrown bushes that block the sunshine, and add a few lamps or stronger lightbulbs. This is a small but impactful way to make your home more sellable.

#4 Make improvements that will actually pay off

There are some simple improvements that will make a huge difference. Paint the walls with a fresh, neutral color so the buyer can visualize their own personal style. Replace dated cabinet hardware, clean dirty grout, repair leaky faucets, and replace yellowed and dingy outlet covers.

#5: Conceal evidence of pets before showings and open house

You love your sweet, furry family members- and rightfully so (they’re precious, aren’t they?)-but not all buyers are cat or dog-lovers. And pet-lovers or not, buyers won’t want to walk into your home and smell the kitty litter box, see the bowl of dog food in the kitchen, or leave your home covered in pet hair. It gives the impression that your home is not clean. Make arrangements for your pets to be away from home during showings, or if you are planning an open house.

#6: Put away personal items

Consider putting away family photos and personal keepsakes during showings. Buyers need to see “themselves” in your home, so de-personalizing your home would be a smart move.

#7: When it comes to remodels, choose wisely

If any one space sells the house, it’s the kitchen. Remodeled kitchens have the highest return on investment, over remodeled bathrooms or any other area in the home. It may cost a few thousand dollars to replace countertops and update your backsplash, but a buyer may knock off 10K from the asking price due to a dated kitchen. But you don’t necessarily need to go all out. Fresh painted walls and new cabinet hardware make a huge impact, as well as re-staining or painting dated cabinets.

#8: Keep your house Show-ready at all times

Make it a priority to be available and have your house accessible for showings. It is extremely important to keep your home in showing condition since you never know when your buyer will be ready to walk through the door. No dirty dishes in the sink, keep the dishwasher cleaned out, bathrooms squeaky clean and zero cobwebs or dust bunnies. Yes, it will be a little inconvenient, but it will get your house sold! You might also consider hiring a home stager to arrange your furniture in a way that best showcases your floor-plan and displays the full potential of your home.

#9: Curb appeal is a big deal

When a buyer drives up to your home, what will they see? This will be the buyer’s first impression of your home. If they don’t like what they see on the outside, they may never make it inside. Make sure your lawn is cut, spruce up the exterior with inexpensive shrubs and attractive flowers, and make sure your front porch is clean and inviting. Make your entryway/foyer welcoming by rearranging if necessary with a small bench, or a round table with fresh flowers. Preparing to sell your home can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Stay focused on the tips that are guaranteed to get your home sold!

Want to talk more about selling your home? I’d love to help you! Contact me today!