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How should I prepare my house before selling it?

Asked By Mike M. | 961 views | Selling | 3 years ago
Answer(12)
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Pro
91 Answers
Lisa and Greg Harris

eXp Realty, LLC

(42)

I give my selling clients a list of items in general to do and then walk them through their personal needs at the time of the listing to give them specifics for their goals of getting their home sold for TOP DOLLAR! In general, things to do! Freshen up the landscaping and clean up the curb appeal. In doing that, you will most likely need a good pressure wash of the home, driveway, decks and the outside to give it a clean fresh look from the street and for the pictures! A DEEP CLEAN INSIDE! Organize what you have. Clean as much off the countertops as possible and put it away under the countertops and organize it! REMEMBER YOU ARE MOVING! so if you are not using it over the next 3 months, then pack it! Including the off-season clothes from your closet. Wie down baseboards, have the carpets cleaned! If walls need to be painted to give it a fresh look do this and go with a neutral color. Stage it in a manner that is appropriate for the home and market. THE BIGGEST TIP - LESS IS BETTER! The less you have out and on counters and on the walls the better! De-personalize! WE do not want buyers to stop and look at family pictures, we want them to see the home as their home. So this is just the start of the basics. I would give specifics once walking through the home at an appointment.
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Rising Star
12 Answers
Tania Gardere MacLeod

EXP REALTY LLC

(40)

I always advise my sellers to start with a home inspection. Work through the Saftey and fire hazards. And any major repair items. Service all Hvac and water heater to ensure all is in good working order. Inspect your roof as well. This gives you time to get the best quotes and contractors to do the work while you are not in a rush like you would be during an inspection contingency period… fresh cost of paint is one of your biggest ROI! Deep cleaning, power wash outside of house and walk ways and driveways. Fresh mulch and plantings outside week before photos and video. Declutter! And I always bring in my stager for a consultation to help make sure we have each and every room looking it’s best… meet with your local realtor first. They can help guide you step by step

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Semi-Pro
60 Answers
Steven Hunt

Real Broker NY LLC

(40)

I would recommend reaching out to a real estate agent to help you with finding out what needs to be done. If you need some contacts I can help you with that. 518-526-4964 Also, here is a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWzDqaItXjc
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Rising Star
16 Answers
Alfred Galvan

eXp Realty of California

(34)

Hello Mike, the answer is YES, contact me I can explain better over the phone - Alfred
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Rising Star
11 Answers
Jeannie Ricke-Finley

CENTURY 21 Arizona West

Neutral, Decluttered, Fresh Smelling and CLEAN, Curb Appeal, Best Return on Investment is Fresh Paint and Elbow Grease. Clean up the yard! Less is More!
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Novice
3 Answers
Kevin Carnes

EXP Realty, LLC

(38)

Start with decluttering and removing all unnecessary items during the selling process (remove as much from kitchen counter, toaster coffee makers, counter appliances, etc) Touch up paint needed areas.
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Novice
2 Answers
Justin Bonney

Keller Williams Calabasas

(130)

Hey there Mike, It is always best to declutter the home and tidy things up for photos. If the place is worn, a fresh coat of paint is the best ROI along with some curb appeal clean up.
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Novice
2 Answers
Duke Padilla

West USA Realty

(14)

A quick and easy way to make that decision is to look at some model homes. Either on line or just go to the builders model homes. The builders typically hire professional to do their staging. This way you can get a visual of what it is supposed to look like.
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Novice
2 Answers
Sherri DeHahn

RE/MAX Results

(71)

Here are the essential steps to prepare your home for sale: 1. Pre-Sale Work - Research market value and hire a realtor - Get a home inspection and complete major repairs - Gather important documents (maintenance records, warranties) 2. Property Updates - Enhance curb appeal (landscaping, exterior cleaning) - Paint walls neutral colors - Fix minor issues (leaky faucets, broken fixtures) - Deep clean the entire home 3. Presentation - Declutter and depersonalize - Consider professional staging - Get professional photos taken - Prepare for showings
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Novice
1 Answer
Dave Van Nus

Keller Williams Portland Premiere

(23)

Mike, your question opens up many questions like, how fast do you want to sell? How much do you have to invest in your home? Are you occupying the property or is it tenant occupied or vacant? What is the exit strategy or do you need to transition to another home? To answer your question I would find and hire a competent Real Estate Broker who isn't in a hurry to get a paycheck and who will work with you, your Lender/Financial Advisor, and anyone else involved to help you be proactive and communicate the plan effectively to help you make or save the most you can. When we meet sellers, we go over our 7 Step Selling System (www.7StepSelling System.com) and we include an option to get what we have coined our Integrity Home Report (www.IntegrityHomeReport.com). So, as you can see, your question is a loaded one and what I suggest is speaking with a Realtor who can explain their reasoning behind your mutually accepted plan. You want an honest realtor vs a yes realtor too. Look at reviews or let me help you find a realtor and I will make sure I interview them enough to trust they have the same Integrity that our team has. Wishing you the best either way.
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Novice
1 Answer
Dawn Zurick

Vylla Home Realty

(7)

Hi Mike, The best thing is to have your agent come in and look at your home and they can tell you what you might of missed. We all know to have a home look nice, clean and decluttered but there are some items we miss like wiping down the walls where the dog has his favorite place to lay. The light switches, door knobs and kitchen cabinets. Curb appeal is nice too so make sure the garbage cans are in the garage and no peeling paint and recently power wash the siding. Make sure the screens are not in disrepair and the lights by the front door and garage are clean and in working condition
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Novice
1 Answer
Russie Weidl

Watson Realty Corp.

(45)

Have a realtor walk through your home and point out items that will need to be addressed. Consider renting a storage unit if you have too much stuff. Do a good deep cleaning. Make sure that you do not have any pet odors. Check the interior and exterior paint. Curb appeal is very important. If it is the right time of the year, I would add some colorful plants. I always give my prospective Sellers, a list on how to prepare your home for sale. This list is also helpful to follow so that the professional photographer can take photos that will look amazing.

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