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Preparing to List Your Home? 5 Tips to Sell It Fast

Nichole Story

You might be ready to sell your home, but is your home ready to be sold? It's no secret that the Orange County real estate market is competitive, so that means you have to put a little effort into getting top dollar for your home. Before you list, follow these five steps to get your house ready for buyers.

Tip #1: Clean, clean, clean

Nothing turns off buyers more than a dirty home. If a homeowner can't keep up with basic cleaning, what significant issues have been neglected? Don't list your home until you've hired a professional cleaning crew to deep clean every room. After that, either keep up a regimented cleaning routine or hire someone for weekly upkeep. Then, prepare for each showing by sweeping floors, polishing surfaces in the kitchen and bathrooms, and fluffing pillows. Your entire home should look tidy and well kept.

Tip #2: Small updates can lead to a big return

Your home doesn’t have to undergo a major renovation to be sold, but a few strategic updates can help you get top dollar fast. Does it need a fresh coat of paint? Updated appliances? Some new sod or a tweak to the landscaping? If so, this is the time to think about making small investments to reap big returns. Overlooking these items may lead the buyer to believe there is more work needed on the home. Talk to an Orange County real estate expert to find out the best investments for your neighborhood.

Tip #3: Less is always more

I know you love your stuff, but buyers want to envision their own treasured belongings in their new potential home. Give them a blank canvas by clearing out bulky furniture, family photos, and other personal effects. Not only will this enable them to picture themselves living in your house, this tactic also allows you to showcase your home's unique features. Rather than gawking at your wedding pictures hanging on the wall, the buyer's eye will instead go to that charming archway or brand-new gas fireplace.

Tip #4: Staging your property is vital in today’s market

With everyone watching HGTV these days, expectations are higher than ever in the real estate market. Consequently, it's not only vital to show your home in the best possible light, it's important that it looks better than the competition. A fresh interior design scheme can help you win big in today's market. Bringing in the right furniture shows viewers how to make full use of each room, and pops of color make your home memorable. 

Tip #5 Creating a positive experience for buyers is necessary

Sights, noises, and smells can make or break the sale of your home. While I personally love dogs, not every potential buyer wants to be welcomed into a home by a barking pet. Take Fido with you when you leave during a showing or hire a dog walker. Strong scents of spices and oils in the kitchen might also turn off buyers, so try not to do major cooking before people come over. As an alternative, consider baking fresh cookies for a sweet aroma and a tasty treat to entice buyers. By brainstorming potential turnoffs and neutralizing those issues, you automatically widen your pool of interest.  

Nichole Story is a Real Estate Expert located in Orange County, California. She has seen thousands of homes and helps her client's purchase and sell homes everyday. Call her for personalized advice for your home.