Spring is a great time to sell a home in the Chattanooga area, so homeowners looking to put their houses on the market should start preparing now.
Staging your home in the right way is a critical step in the selling process. The more your prospective buyers can envision themselves living in your home, the more likely you’ll make a quick sale.
Plan now for a successful showing this spring by incorporating these staging tips into your home-selling strategy.
De-personalize
Prospective homebuyers want to see themselves in your home and might not have the same tastes as you do.
Remove personal items, such as artwork, family photos and other mementos, in order to give buyers a blank canvas to envision their own furniture, families and lifestyles.
If you’re willing to take an extra step, paint your bold-colored or patterned walls a gray or beige color to further neutralize the space.
Declutter
Store (or remove) items such as papers, clothes and knickknacks. Too much clutter might cause potential buyers to perceive your home as smaller than it actually is.
Remember, too, that when buyers walk through your home, nothing is off limits. Curious homebuyers will open closets and drawers, so make sure everything is in order.
Spruce up your interior
If you’ve been putting off chores like window washing or degreasing your kitchen appliances, now is the best time to tackle a deep cleaning.
Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most scrutinized rooms for potential buyers. Dust, dirt and mildew can be deal-breakers.
Smells matter, too. The night before a showing, take out the trash and empty the cat litter box. Take extra steps to manage odors, recaulk tubs, polish faucets and hang fresh bathroom towels.
Enhance your curb appeal
First impressions of your home are key. Some buyers won’t even get out of the car if your home has a messy yard and dirty exterior.
A well-trimmed lawn and swept sidewalks or steps show prospective buyers that your home has been cared for and well-kept.
If you’re willing to give your home’s exterior more attention, put a fresh coat of paint to your front door, pressure wash the house and driveway and add a new welcome mat.
Make small repairs
Minor improvements to your home can make a major difference in getting your home off the market quickly.
Do you have loose drawer handles, broken light bulbs or squeaky doors? Future homeowners tend to wonder about what else might be wrong with the home when a seller won’t take the time to fix these small things.
Other small repairs to consider are replacing cracked or broken tiles and patching up any holes in the wall.
To find a professional who will help you with cleaning, repairing, renovating or selling your home, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at hbagc.net.