10 Things to Do to Prep Your Home for Selling

With the high inventory of homes on the market today, homebuyers can afford to be choosy. Buyers are looking for the best, so a home for sale can easily slip through the cracks if it is not in pristine condition. Use these 10 tips to get your home into shape to show off to potential buyers.

• Improve Your Landscaping

Curb appeal is crucial to a good first impression, so make sure your home’s lawn is immaculate. Mow the lawn, prune the bushes, weed the garden and plant flowers.

• Clean the Outside

A sloppy exterior will make buyers think you have slacked off on interior maintenance as well. Be sure to clean the gutters and pressure wash your home’s siding.

• Make Repairs

In a buyer’s market, you want your home to be in the best condition possible. Take care of major defects like broken windows or a leaky roof that could discourage buyers.

• Make the Front Door Inviting

A fresh coat of paint, especially in a color that contrasts with the home, will make the front door stand out. Replace faded house numbers so buyers can see them from the curb.

• Buy a New Welcome Mat

Let buyers know they are invited into your home.

• Remove Clutter and Depersonalize

Buyers want to envision their belongings in your home. Clean up by renting a storage unit for knickknacks, photos, extra furniture and other personal items.

• Organize Closets and Drawers

Messy closets give the appearance that your home does not have enough storage space.

• Make Every Surface Shine

From ceiling fans to floors and everything in between, clean your home until it sparkles. You may even consider hiring a professional cleaning company.

• Tone the Color Down a Little

You might like your lime-green bedroom, but it may sour buyers. Paint your walls a neutral color that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.

• Eliminate Bad Odors

Hide the litter box and spray air neutralizer throughout your home. When showing the home, fill it with inviting smells by putting out fresh flowers and baking a batch of cookies.

With just a moderate amount of effort, you can make your house beautiful and welcoming, both inside and out.