The Most Important Things You Need to Do and When You Need to Do Them
You’re planning to move…maybe in the next few months or, ideally, in the next year or so. You want to get maximum value for your home, but you also want to minimize any potential challenges. What are the things you want to do to get your home ready to sell? When should you do those things?
Should You Have an Inspection Done Now?
You’ll need to have an inspection done when you sell the house. Does it make sense to do that early in the process, so that you’re not caught off guard by any major issues that need to be addressed? That depends.
If your house is relatively new or if you’ve made significant modifications in the past few years, an early inspection may not be necessary. However, if you’ve been in the house for quite some time and you haven’t put a new roof on or made any other significant upgrades, it’s probably a good idea. You’ll want the inspection to include all major structures and systems in your home, from the roof to the electrical, plumbing and HVAC. Most realtors will recommend that you do this about six months before you plan to put the house on the market, so that you have adequate time to complete any work that’s required. Too much earlier, though, and you may have new issues arise after the inspection.
Getting Your House in the Best Shape to Maximize Sale Value
To optimize potential market value, you want to take the following steps:
- Declutter and depersonalize—Most prospective home buyers will respond negatively to a lot of stuff in your home. It makes the home feel smaller and makes it difficult for prospective buyers to see themselves living in the home. To the extent possible, remove non-essential furniture or other belongings. In addition, replace personal items and pictures with neutral décor.
- Address anything that is broken or needs to be replaced—All damaged or deteriorating structural issues should be fixed. You may also need to replace old fixtures or appliances.
- Make certain the interior is immaculately clean—It’s usually best to hire a professional, someone who will make every nook and cranny spotless.
- Think about first impressions—Make certain the exterior of your home is attractive. Touch up paint, if necessary, and spend some time or money ensuring that the landscaping is appealing. In addition, consider where homebuyers will enter your home…make certain the doorway and surrounding area are clean, warm and welcoming.
