It’s the perfect time of year to sell a house. Spring and early summer are always big buying/selling months. Are you looking into selling? It’s such a hot market right now (especially where I live!) Houses are going super fast (like the day they go on the market), and sellers are getting multiple cash offers. I’ve only sold 2 times in my life. One was easy, one wasn’t. It was all about the timing and the market. I learned some great tips along the way to help you sell your house fast!
Clean Out : This is a biggie. Months before you plan to sell, start cleaning out. Get rid of things you don’t want or use. Get a storage unit for things you do want to keep! Even though you might have to pay a monthly storage fee, get rid of 50% of your things. Your house will seem more spacious and then when you move you won’t have to pack up so much!
De-personalize : Cut back on pictures, especially family/kids pictures. This was hard for me to do, but it’s worth it. When a buyer comes in they do not want to see pictures of you. I remember going into houses and seeing pictures of them and it was totally distracting! It took my eyes off the house and that’s not what you want. I’m not saying remove all pictures but when you’re cleaning out, less is best.
Stage It: A totally empty house isn’t good. If you are already out of the house then it’s best to pay for some staging. Stagers will come in and set up a few odds and ends so that buyers will know what room is for what. I hated totally empty houses! It would be so hard to figure out what was the designated dining space or living room areas. Do you have a dining room that is serving as a playroom for the kids? (You are not alone!) Clean up that space and add a table and some chairs. Add a twin bed and some light furniture in bedrooms. Put a few clothes in closets. Buyers like to see how their things will look when they are in the house.
Smelling Good: This is a biggie too. There’s nothing worse than going into a stinky house! Food smells, cigarettes, pets, you need to have your house smelling good. I tried making fresh baked cookies before a few showings because that gets your house smelling great. (Just don’t burn them!!) Baking soda on the carpet then vacuuming helps to deodorize pet smells and older carpet. I sprayed room spray like a crazy person as we’d be walking out the house for a showing. Need a good room spray? Try my DIY Febreze Spray. It will have your house smelling so great!
Think Like a Buyer: This can be hard, but really try and think like a buyer. Come in the front door and see what you’re eyes are drawn to. Get on your hands and knees to look for things that stand out too. Invite a neighbor or a friend over to have them give you their take on what your house needs done. Are you low on storage? You don’t want the buyer to know that. Make sure all clutter is put away so that they will think the house has tons of space!
With a little bit of work your house will be looking good and sold in no time!
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Aileen says
Staging really makes a difference! When we were house hunting, the homes crammed full of stuff were a total turn off.
Faye says
Great tips – especially cleaning and the smelling good. I’ve not yet ever tried staging, but here that results in higher sales prices as well!
Brooke @ CCL Blog says
I am not a fan of house cleaning! really. I only do it because I so not like messes. I try hard to keep things organized, but it does not always happen.
Abélia says
I like your tip about de-personalizing your house before showing it to potential buyers. This way they can imagine themselves in the home instead of seeing your family pictures everywhere. Thanks for sharing your experience with selling your house! I hope to be able to sell my home and move in to an apartment within a month.
Shannon says
Thanks and good luck to you!
maria kunis says
Hey Buddy !!
Its been great to read such article.I really appreciate it.In a declining real estate market where supply outstrips demand, a person can generally sell a house faster by lowering the price. But there are other ways to enhance a home’s attractiveness besides lowering the asking price. If you’re looking to sell your home in a cooling real estate market, read on for some tips on how to generate interest and get the best price possible.
Keep sharing !!!
Warm regards.