Do Not Overlook These 9 Things When Selling Your Home

Selling your home is a tedious and often stressful process. To help simplify things, we’ve come up with a list of the most important items to focus on when selling your home.

1. Curb Appeal

In between calls with your Realtor and fixing up the inside of your house, don’t forget that the outside of your house is the first thing people see. First appearances are everything!

Give the lawn a clean cut, add some native flowers and plants to the walkway, and consider adding a tree if you don’t have one yet. Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door, fix the loose shutters, and clean the gutters.

When it comes to the backyard, a comfortable outdoor living space is just one of several outdoor projects you can do to boost your home’s value.

2. Home Inspection

You don’t want any surprises when you get under contract. The buyer is also responsible forgetting an inspection, but if you get one first and have everything fixed, the buyer will feel more comfortable knowing their new house is in perfect condition.

Issues commonly found in West Florida involve the HVAC system, plumbing, and mold. If you have a pool, ask for an assessment of pool safety features and the condition of pool equipment.

3. The Roof

Have your roof inspected. Due to Florida’s severe weather, it’s not unusual for people to have to repair their roofs more often here than in other areas. If your roof has lived through a few storms, you may need to spring for the cost of a new roof. Whether you choose to repair or replace your roof, ensuring it’s in good shape will show buyers that you’re serious about giving them a great house at a great price.

4. Deep Cleaning

A home that has been lived in for several years will need a deep cleaning. No one wants to move into a dirty “new” house. This means you’ll have to dust every hard-to-reach surface, scrub the showers, and shampoo (or replace) the carpets. 

While you may think about cleaning the house yourself, it’s probably more cost-effective to have the pros come in and do it. Considering the price of all the cleaning supplies plus the time it takes, you probably have plenty of other things you could do instead.

5. Cohesive Colors

Buyers need to be able to see themselves living in the house. While your kitchen and living room may be your style, consider refreshing your home with a single neutral palette. Choose a color like beige, cream, or light gray for the walls, and stage your home with furniture and decorations that are cohesive and simple. This will make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves in the home.

6. Smart Home Tech

The future is now, and smart home technology increases home values. Smart tech connects through the internet and once installed, you can control the security system, thermostat, smoke detectors, irrigation, and lighting with your voice or through an app on your phone. Potential buyers appreciate the ease of having a connected home and are more willing to pay extra for the special features.

7. Picture Perfect

Hire a professional photographer for your home’s listing. Real estate photographers know exactly how to capture each room and make it look its best. Professional photos attract more buyers, which makes selling your house that much easier.

8. Time the Sale

Now that your home is ready for the market, you may be wondering if it’s the right time to sell. Spring is often the most popular time to sell a house –– your yard looks the best, it’s not too hot, and it’s months away from any major holiday. May and June listings, in particular, often sell for a higher price and get off the market quickly.

9. Be Flexible

Lastly, be flexible. Selling your home can be stressful, and sometimes not everyone gets what they want. Hire a real estate agent to represent you and mediate conversations with potential buyers and their agents.

Make a to-do list and check it twice during the whole process of selling your house. You don’t want to miss something and find out about it during an open house or cause a buyer to change their mind. With a trusted Realtor by your side and a beautiful home, you will sell in no time.

Guest author Gina Thompson is an experienced multimedia journalist, producer, and content writer. In her spare time, she loves catching a live band, dancing, and finding the next big taco spot.