For sale sign

In 2020, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 5.64 million existing homes were sold. This number does not include newly constructed homes or homes placed on the market and not sold. Statista numbers predict that home sales will rise to 7.1 million in 2021.

If you’re planning to sell your home, it’s essential to keep in mind there can be a lot of competition. Homes that are prepped and offer curb appeal typically attract the most interest and can sell for a more competitive price.

These top five ways to prepare a home for sale may help sell your home faster at the price you command.

1. Declutter and Clean

Prospective buyers need to be able to move through the living space with ease. Often this means that before the house hits the market, you’ll need to go through each room to declutter and clean. Even large rooms can feel small and claustrophobic if they’re over-filled with furniture, knick-knacks, kids’ toys, and other personal items. Sometimes this can mean moving furniture and boxes into storage temporarily.

Moving is a great time to downsize or simply remove items from your home that are no longer used or needed. Donate those to charity, pass keepsakes to family/friends, and make a bit of cash by selling unwanted items online or at a garage sale.

After the rooms are decluttered, it’s time to do a thorough cleaning. Be sure to hit everything from dusting the ceiling fans and vents to vacuuming and steam cleaning carpets and flooring.

2. Paint and Opt for Neutrals

Not every room may need a freshening with paint, but if your home has living spaces with bright or bold colors, it’s often recommended to switch to a more neutral palette. Exceptions may be kids’ rooms and small spaces like a guest bathroom. If any space has paint peeling or cracks; fix and repaint. A coat of paint can give a tired room new life. Likewise, a quick coat or touch-up of window and door trim can make any room look fresh and inviting.

3. Make Necessary, Cost-Effective Repairs

As every homeowner knows, there is always something in a house that needs repair. Sometimes it’s something simple like replacing a washer on a leaking faucet, but other times it may be something bigger and more expensive.

Small repairs that take minimal time, effort, and cost are smart prep when selling a home. If there are larger repair jobs, like issues with the HVAC, it’s best to consult with your real estate professional. In some cases, it may be recommended for the seller to fix the issue before listing the house. In other instances, the known issue might be something that becomes negotiated during the sale.

4. Increase Home Value with Upgrades

Watch almost any home improvement show and you’ll see the experts recommending upgrades to homes before they’re listed for sale. Some upgrades can help a seller net a better price for the home. However, not all upgrades are created equal. Your real estate professional may be able to guide you through the process to help determine which upgrades will give you the most impact for the money.

5. Clean Windows and Gutters

Curb appeal is key when prepping your home for sale. How the home looks from the outside makes the first impression and that means clean windows are essential. Take a good look at the windows from both the interior and exterior. The frames should be smooth and free of chipped or peeling paint and the glass clean—no smudges, streaks, or grime. For a job this important, a professional team of window cleaners can get the job done quickly, safely, and correctly.

In addition to clean windows, make sure the gutters are cleaned and free of any overhanging sticks and debris. This is especially important in the fall.

Much of the prep to sell a home can be handled by the owner. However, the bigger jobs like HVAC repair, plumbing, and window and gutter cleaning should be performed by professionals. Look to United Window Cleaning for your window and gutter care year-round and especially when you’re ready to sell your home. Contact us today for an appointment.