Guide for the 90 Days Before Your House Hits the Market.
Getting your home ready for market can be an overwhelming task. You want to make a good first impression and impress buyers. But, it’s a lot! Here are some ideas and strategies on how to plan to get your home ready to be SOLD!
Contact your Realtor first. Schedule a walk-through of your house. Your agent will be able to give advice on how to prepare your listing. Let your Realtor know of any needed repairs or upgrades you are considering. Your agent will be able to help refine your list, so that you are only doing things that will help sell your home and/or increase value.
Budget- your time that is! Look at your calendar and budget tasks leading up to your desired market date. This will help break up your tasks into chunks so that you avoid being overwhelmed.
90 days out-Start the decluttering and start sooner rather than later. Move room by room and decide what you can start packing, what you can throw away, and what can be donated. Typically, buyers are not offended if they see moving boxes in the garage. I suggest having them in one area, looking as orderly as possible, not blocking any inspection items like the electric panel, sprinkler system box, or water heater.
30-60 days out-Paint: Discuss with your Realtor if any portion of the home should be freshly painted. Sometimes a single wall, baseboards or a few doors need a refresh. Other times, the full interior or exterior is needed. If your budget or time doesn’t allow for a repaint, discuss other options with your Realtor. Structuring a paint allowance in the listing may be an alternative for some listings.
2-4 weeks out- Clean your windows inside and out. This service is relatively inexpensive to hire out- depending on the amount and location of windows.
1 week out- If you are able to, have your home professionally deep cleaned. Considering having your home professionally cleaned at least once every 2 weeks, while it’s on the market.
This list isn’t all inclusive, but a good framework of items that make a big impact when buyers shop for homes. There are typically work arounds for many of these items if budget, time, effort aren’t available. Discuss this with your agent to find the right strategy.
