If you’re thinking of selling your home, you’ll want to do everything you can to increase its value. Although the size of your property and its location will have a major impact on the asking price, the condition and aesthetic of your home do affect how much it sells for. Due to this, it’s essential to take the time to enhance the property as much as possible if you want to maximize its value. With this in mind, take a look at these five things to do before putting your house on the market:
1. Check the Basement
If you don’t frequent the basement regularly, this is one of the first areas you’ll want to check. Many homeowners don’t realize that their basement is actually putting the structure of their property at risk, particularly if damp or water damage has gone unnoticed for some time.
Understandably, potential buyers may be put off by the thought of having to undertake repairs as soon as they move in, which could reduce the number of offers you receive on your property. Alternatively, you might be forced to drop the asking price by a significant amount if your home needs repairs when it goes on the market.
Arranging water damage restoration for your basement can be a cost-effective way of improving your property before you put it up for sale. With expert advice from Superior Basement Water Control and Remodeling, you can rid the basement of damp and ensure it’s properly waterproofed before it goes on the market. As a result, you can potentially increase the asking price and maximize the return you get on your investment.
2. Make Sure the Electrics are Safe
The electrics are one thing that all potential buyers will want to check before they agree to purchase a property. Not only can malfunctioning electrics be dangerous, but they can also be costly to repair. By having a certified electrician check the electrical system in your property before it goes on the market, you can determine whether any work will need to be carried out.
If not, the documentation provided by your electrician can provide the authentication you need when selling your home but, if work is required, you’ll be able to decide whether to carry this out yourself or to reduce the asking price accordingly.
Depending on the amount of work required, a prospective buyer may not be put off by the thought of having the electrics upgraded. If plaster or floorboards will need to be removed to complete the work, for example, a buyer who plans to remodel the property might do this as part of their renovations, for example. Due to this, think carefully about the upheaval involved in upgrading or improving the electrics and weigh up how much you could gain by having the work completed while you’re still in situ.
3. Declutter the Interior
Your home is your sanctuary, so it’s not surprising that it’s filled with your belongings! However, a cluttered environment can make it hard for potential buyers to imagine the property as their own. Furthermore, cluttered rooms could mask the features of the property, which could mean that you don’t receive as many offers as you might expect.
Decluttering can transform the aesthetic of the interior and make it easier to sell your home. What’s more – increased demand for the property could even see its value increase, so it could be a viable way to maximize the value of your home too.
Think of decluttering as the first stage of moving into a new home. After all, you’ll need to pack up all of your belongings when you sell your property, so why not get started now? By discarding or donating the things you no longer need and packing away some items you don’t use frequently, you can get a head-start on moving and ensure potential buyers get to see your property at its best.
4. Spruce Up the Exterior
The exterior of the property is the first thing prospective buyers will see and it has a big impact on how they feel about your home. Spending a little time sprucing up the exterior of the property can enhance its curb appeal and positively impact the ultimate sale price.
Simple things, like mowing the lawn and pruning overgrown trees, can have a surprising effect on how your property looks but there are other things you can do to maximize the aesthetical appeal of your home. Repainting the siding, pressure washing brickwork, or even having the driveway repointed may require a little investment, but it could have a significant impact on how much the property sells for.
5. Confirm What Fixtures and Fittings Are Staying
If a buyer is interested in your property, they’ll want to know which fixtures and fittings you’ll be leaving behind. Many homeowners are caught off guard with this question, so be sure to have an answer ready. Most people leave at least some fixtures, such as carpets or bathroom suites, in place, but this should be written into the contract to ensure that there are no misunderstandings.
However, if a buyer wants you to leave additional fittings, such as integrated appliances, curtains, or even some furniture in situ, be sure to factor this in when you’re negotiating a price. If you don’t want to take these items with you to your next home, it can be advantageous if a buyer wants to keep them as it saves you from needing to dispose of them. Of course, you may be able to increase the sales price if you agree to leave some or all of the fixtures and fittings in place.
Getting Ready to Sell Your Home
There may be a variety of practical things you need to do before your home is ready to go on the market but don’t overlook the emotional impact that selling your home can have. By staying objective and assessing the property in an impartial way, you’ll find it easier to prepare it for the market and can negotiate more effectively with potential buyers.
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