You Could Have a Home Ready to Be Sold in Less Than a Week
If the only thing preventing you from listing your home for sale is the idea that it is not in good enough shape to do so, then we have good news for you. Even though it may seem like it will take forever to get the home ready, the following timeline can help you get your home open-house ready in just a week. Our experienced staff has been through our share of moves and have some great tips for you.
Days One and Two
Begin by purging and packing. Get rid of as much as you possibly can. Your goal is to create a home that anyone can see themselves living in – not just a home that reflects your personality. Get rid of family photos, clear away evidence that children or pets living the home, and organize your cabinets and closets. Get rid of anything – even furniture – that is large and takes up too much room. You only have two days so do not spend too much time – your goal is to create a clear, uncluttered home that will appeal to as many buyers as possible.
Days Three to Five
Now it is time to walk through your home, find simple repairs that need to be done, and take care of them. You can also make minor upgrades that could make a big impact. For example, simply re-grouting your bathroom tile could make it look brand new. Switching out old light switch plates can make a big difference, and be sure to fix any holes that may have been caused by taking down pictures. At this stage, be strategic and do what you can easily afford and does not take an entire day to complete.
Day Six
This is the day you are going to want to reach out to friends and family for help: It’s cleaning day. Even if you feel that your home is relatively clean, you are looking to make it spotless. This means cleaning all the floors, your blinds, and your windowsills. It means opening every single cabinet and closet to look for any sign of dirt or grime.
The fact is that potential buyers are going to be thorough. They are considering making a huge investment in a home and they want to know that it is sound. While a home that is need of deep cleaning is not inherently worth less, it is less likely to get a buyer excited. They may assume that if an owner does not take care to make a bed and wipe down the counters before an open house, they may not be doing other essential maintenance tasks.
Day Seven
Now you have everything you don’t need out, you have the home as clean as can be – now it’s time to bring more things back in. This may sound counterintuitive, but you do not want the home to feel cold. If you want to maximize the impact of staging, hire a company that will rent entire rooms that can best showcase your unique home.
