As temperatures begin to rise, so does the activity in Middle Tennessee’s real estate market. Spring is known as the prime time to sell your home, with buyers coming out of hibernation, eager to find their perfect match. At Elite South, we understand the importance of making a great first impression. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of steps to ensure your home stands out from the crowd when you decide to list it this spring, with our expert guidance every step of the way. Let’s dive in on some of the key aspects of preparing your home for sale!
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
Start by decluttering each room. A clutter-free home appears larger and more inviting, making it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Additionally, depersonalizing your space by removing personal photos and unique decorations can help buyers imagine their own lives in the home. Generally, our advice is to pack away anything you don’t need for everyday life. During your pre-listing consultation, we’ll go through each room and provide expert advice so you feel confident in the presentation of your home.
2. Freshen Up the Paint
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a home. Opt for neutral colors, as they appeal to the widest audience. Neutrals create a blank canvas, allowing buyers to picture their belongings in the space without the distraction of bold colors. We keep up with the latest trends and marketable colors and design elements so you won’t be guessing!
3. Make Minor Repairs
Take the time to fix those small issues you’ve been putting off. This could include repairing leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or replacing burnt-out light bulbs. These minor repairs can make a big difference in how well your home is perceived by potential buyers. Our team has compiled an impressive list of contractors that can help with these repairs, of any size, and will make the appropriate connections for the scope of work.
4. Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything, and the exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see. Ensure your lawn is manicured, plant some colorful flowers, and touch up any peeling paint on the exterior. A welcoming entrance invites buyers inside and can set your home apart from the competition. We can share more tailored tips and tricks once we’re on-site and have a better feel for your space.
5. Clean, Clean, Clean
A sparkling clean home is essential. Deep clean your home from top to bottom, including windows, carpets, and hard-to-reach areas. Don’t forget to clean and tidy spaces that you don’t see everyday – closets, attic spaces, basements – but many buyers certainly will! Don’t neglect outdoor spaces either. Pressure washing sidewalks, decks, porches and home exterior make a huge impact! Lastly, neutralize any foul odors. If you have a pet or are a smoker, there’s a likelihood that a potential buyer is going to pick up on unpleasant smells in your home. Don’t overdo it with air fresheners either, as they can be just as offensive. Balance is key here. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure your home is in its best possible condition.
6. Stage Your Home
Staging your home can significantly impact its appeal. Arrange furniture to maximize space and showcase the functionality of each room. Sometimes, staging can easily be done with the furniture and decor you already have, and part of our services to you include a room-by-room staging plan. Elite South also has relationships with professional stagers who can optimize your home’s layout and decor, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
7. Professional Photography
In today’s digital age, your home’s first showing is online. Investing in professional photography can make your listing stand out. High-quality photos highlight your home’s best features and can attract more potential buyers to view your property in person. Our Elite marketing package includes hiring a photographer who specializes in real estate. Once your home is completely ready for listing, we will coordinate and be on-site for the photo shoot in order to maximize every shot.
8. Pre-Inspection
Consider having a pre-inspection done. This can identify any major issues that could potentially derail a sale later on. Addressing these issues before listing can streamline the selling process and demonstrate to buyers that you’ve been proactive in maintaining your home. One important caveat: Be aware that anything that is discovered in a pre-inspection either has to be disclosed on a property condition report or repaired. Ordering one of these is not something we typically advise as a standard process, but we know that each situation is different and realize that sometimes they can certainly be helpful.
Conclusion
As you gear up for the prime selling season this spring, remember, preparing your home for the market is key to attracting the right buyers and securing the best offer. But you don’t have to go through this process alone. At Elite South, we’re more than just your real estate agent; we’re your partner in making sure your home shines in its best light.
We encourage you to reach out to us for a pre-listing walkthrough. During this visit, we’ll address all the items we’ve discussed and any other questions you may have. Our expert team will provide personalized recommendations to ensure your home not only meets but exceeds market expectations. Let us help you navigate the pre-listing process, making it as smooth and successful as possible.