First Impressions Make a Difference
An attractive, well-kept property commands attention right from the start and sets the stage for receiving an offer, and often multiple bids. Your property’s appeal ultimately depends on the buyer’s personal preferences and the design of the home, but there are three key steps you can take to help your home make a better first impression.
1. Improving Curb Appeal
Taking time to improve curb appeal gives you an advantage when trying to sell your house. Curb appeal refers to how the property appears from the sidewalk or road and it is how you draw prospective buyers in. You can capture their attention with attractive landscaping, a well-maintained exterior, and a welcoming entryway.
2. Choose Smart Renovations to Sell Your House
Before putting the home on the market, take care of areas that need improvement. However, it’s smart to avoid projects for which the costs outweigh the return. Rather than investing in expensive renovations for an already attractive area of the home, renovate high-traffic areas. If your kitchen or bathrooms are outdated, spend time making improvements there. Upgrades to cabinetry, countertops, and flooring will boost the value of the home.
3. Staging the Home
If you’re preparing to sell a house, stage the living spaces so they are comfortable and attractive with few personal items. Your buyer should be able to see themselves in the home. You can stage the property yourself with your furniture and belongings or put your things in storage and hire a company to place furniture and decor throughout the home. The goal is to create a welcoming, warm atmosphere for potential buyers when they tour the property.
Find the Right Agent to Help You Sell Your House
Hiring the right real estate agent makes selling a home easier. A good agent is familiar with the local market and knows how to best sell your home in a timely manner at a reasonable price. You don’t have to use a real estate agent to sell your house, but it will reduce the amount of work you have to do yourself. The agent will help with the listing, hiring a photographer for professional photos of the home, and negotiating with prospective buyers.
Hire a Home Inspector
Before listing the house for sale, schedule a pre-listing home inspection. An inspector will assess the property and give you a report showing items that need to be repaired. Handling basic repairs will show the buyer that the property has been well-maintained and is a good investment. With the inspection, you’ll learn about issues with the home and can take the time to make improvements.
First Impression Home Inspections offers home inspections to customers in the Shenandoah Valley. Contact us to request an appointment.