Making your home marketable while you’re still living in it can be challenging, but it’s possible to make it appealing to potential buyers. The key is to strike a balance between creating a show-ready home and comfortably maintaining your daily life.
Declutter Strategically
Keep It Minimal
The first step in making your home marketable is decluttering. Potential buyers want to visualize themselves in your home, which is hard to do if your personal belongings dominate the space. Start by removing excessive furniture, personal photos, and any decorative items that don’t add to the aesthetic appeal of your home. Keep surfaces like countertops and shelves clean and sparse.
Storage Solutions
For items you don’t need daily, utilize storage bins or rent a storage unit. If you need more space to keep personal items out of sight, consider using a storage service like hansensmovingandstorage.com. Hansen’s Moving and Storage offers reliable storage solutions that can help you declutter your home and keep it show-ready. Their 50+ years in the business and flexible service options make it easier to manage your belongings during the selling process.
This preparation helps maintain the aesthetics of your home and reduces the stress of last-minute cleanups before potential buyers visit. It will also help keep your home tidy and spacious-looking, which is a huge plus when showing your home to potential buyers.
Deep Clean and Repair
Spotlessness Sells
A clean home is a sellable home. Deep cleaning of your home can make a significant impact on its marketability. Focus on areas buyers are likely to inspect closely, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Make sure that floors, windows, and fixtures shine. Don’t forget to clean less obvious places like the tops of cabinets, baseboards, and inside closets, as thorough cleanliness suggests a well-maintained home to prospective buyers. Additionally, ensure that any odors from pets or cooking are neutralized, as these can be a turnoff during showings.
Fix the Small Stuff
Addressing minor repairs before listing your home can go a long way. Fix leaky faucets and squeaky doors, and replace burnt-out light bulbs. These small fixes can make a big difference in how potential buyers perceive your home. Likewise, consider patching up any cracks in the walls and re-caulking around sinks and bathtubs. This attention to detail can signal buyers that the home has been well cared for, potentially speeding up the sale process and increasing the selling price.
Neutralize the Décor
Neutral Tones
When making your home marketable, it’s advisable to paint your walls in neutral colors like beige, gray, or white. These shades appeal to a broader audience, making your home seem larger and brighter. Neutral colors also provide a blank canvas, allowing potential buyers to imagine their own furniture and decor in the space. This can be particularly important in helping buyers emotionally connect with the home, seeing it as a place they can easily make their own.
Simplify Décor
Replace bold patterned curtains, rugs, and bed linens with simple, neutral alternatives. This doesn’t mean your home has to be devoid of personality, but it should not overwhelmingly reflect your own style. When you simplify the décor, you also reduce the visual noise, making the space more calming and appealing. Consider also adjusting artwork and other wall hangings to be less personal and more universally appealing, such as landscapes or abstract pieces that complement the neutral theme.
Optimize the Layout
Furniture Placement
Try to stage your home and arrange your furniture to showcase the space and flow of your home. For example, symmetrical arrangements usually work well in the living room. Check that there is enough space to walk around comfortably, as this makes the room look bigger.
Highlight Key Features
If your home has unique features like a fireplace or a great view, highlight them and confirm that they are not obstructed by furniture or curtains.
Create Curb Appeal
First Impressions Count
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see. Ensure your lawn is mowed, bushes are trimmed, and the walkways are clear. Consider adding a few potted plants to your porch for a welcoming touch. Also, make sure that any outdoor furniture is clean and in good repair. If you have a driveway, keep it free of debris and vehicles during showings. These small efforts help create a strong first impression and set the stage for a positive viewing experience.
Door and Entryway
Your front door and entryway should be in pristine condition. A fresh coat of paint on the door and a new doormat can make a significant difference. In addition, confirm that any outdoor lighting is functional and inviting, as good lighting can enhance the security and attractiveness of your entryway. Consider placing a couple of lanterns or installing sconce lighting beside the door to illuminate the area in the evening. This adds to the curb appeal and makes it easier for visitors to navigate safely to your front door.
Keep It Show-Ready
- Daily Habits—When your home is on the market, try to keep it in a show-ready condition as much as possible. Make beds every morning, keep dishes out of the sink, and sweep floors regularly.
- Quick Clean Routine—Prepare a quick cleaning routine for unexpected showings. This could include wiping down surfaces, taking out the trash, and sweeping the house.
- Use Good Lighting—Good lighting can make your home feel warm and inviting. During showings, make sure all the lights are on, and the curtains are open to let in natural light. Replace any dim bulbs with higher-wattage ones, or consider using daylight bulbs for a brighter feel.
Be Flexible and Prepared
Showing Flexibility
The more flexible you are with showing times, the more potential buyers you can attract. Try to accommodate as many requests as possible, understanding that it might be slightly inconvenient. Flexibility can also lead to quicker sales as potential buyers feel more welcome to explore the property at their convenience. Remember, the goal is to make the home as accessible as possible to many buyers, which may sometimes mean stepping out at less-than-ideal times.
Prepare for Showings
Always have a plan for quick getaways when a showing is scheduled. This could mean taking the kids to the park or planning errands during showing times. Keep a ‘go bag’ ready with essentials you might need when you’re away for a few hours, like snacks, water, and activities for the kids. It’s also a good idea to have a list of nearby locations you can visit, such as libraries, cafes, or shopping centers, where you can pass the time comfortably while your home is being shown.
Start Making Your Home Marketable
Living in your home while trying to sell it doesn’t have to be a discouraging task. Following these practical tips for making your home marketable will help you sell your home without compromising your everyday life. The goal is to make potential buyers see themselves living in your space, and with the right preparation, you can achieve just that.