Want to know the secret to a fast and profitable home sale?
Staging is the easiest way to really impress buyers, and you don't have to spend a lot of money or time to make a huge impact. Here are a few changes you should make before you list—and if you ever have any questions, feel free to contact the team at Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services!
1. Start with curb appeal
First impressions matter a lot, especially when you're selling a home. Most prospective buyers will want to preview your listing on the web before they schedule an in-person tour, so getting the inside and the outside of your home photo-ready is the easiest way to attract some attention.
Yard & Landscaping
Is your yard looking a little lackluster? Be sure to get rid of any brown spots and mow your grass regularly when your home is on the market. You should also spend some time pruning back your landscaping and adding some color with low-maintenance plants.
Exterior repairs
Today's buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes—and that means a hanging shutter or peeling paint could spell trouble for your sale. Ensure that all to-dos are taken care of before you list. You may even want to have a home inspection to see what needs to be done.
Clear away debris
Here in Erie, we get plenty of falling leaves in autumn and a good deal of snow in the winter. All of this debris should be cleared away so buyers have a clear path into your home. This will also make your entryway appear well-maintained!
Make improvements
Want to take your curb appeal to the next level? Consider installing some new outdoor lighting, repainting your front door, or updating your front walkway with some new pavers. These little changes can freshen up your exterior without burning a hole in your pocket.
Add some decoration
Now it's time for the final touches! Spread out that new welcome mat, set a pot of flowers on the front porch, and hang a wreath on your front door to really welcome buyers into your space. You can also add some seasonal decor, like a pumpkin or tasteful holiday lights.
2. Focus on the interior
Once you have the outside of your home looking stellar, it's time to take a look at the inside. Here are a few quick ways to transform your home into a showroom-caliber space that buyers will love.
Clean
Nobody wants to step inside a dirty house—especially not buyers. Do a deep clean of all the rooms in your home, including the spots you wouldn't normally clean. If you don't have time to scrub everything down, consider hiring a professional to help.
Declutter
It's normal to have some clutter, but you should never let it jeopardize your home sale. Before buyers show up at your door, go through every room of your home and get rid of belongings you don't need. The more you get rid of now, the less you'll have to pack later!
Depersonalize
While you may love that bright accent wall and your cherished family photos, they may be a bit off-putting to potential buyers. Take down any personal decorations, knickknacks, and memorabilia to make your home appeal to a broader audience.
Make repairs
If you have any lingering repairs (big or small), now is the time to make them. You don't want buyers uncovering any issues during a home inspection and backing out of the sale! It may also be worth having your own pre-listing inspection so you know what to expect.
3. The final touches
Your front yard is looking fantastic, the inside of your home looks like a photo from a magazine...but there's still one step left before you welcome buyers into your home! These last few tips can help you leave a lasting impression on buyers.
Let the light in
Natural light can make a home appear larger and more welcoming. Throw back the drapes, open the blinds, and make sure your space is looking bright before a showing! And if a room doesn't get a lot of sunlight, consider adding some lamps or high wattage bulbs instead.
Appeal to the senses
Creating the right mood is key to attracting buyers. Before a showing, consider simmering some cinnamon and vanilla on the stove or lighting some scented candles. You may also want to play soft music and set out some snacks.
Rearrange
Are your rooms looking a little crowded? Consider moving your furniture a bit to make rooms appear bigger. You may also want to get rid of bulky furniture and take down most of your accessories.
4. Don't forget the yard!
No tour of your home is complete without exploring the yard, which means buyers will definitely notice any imperfections. Mowing your lawn and sprucing up your porch, patio, or deck can make a huge difference. You can even show off your yard's entertaining potential with some new furniture or hardscaping.
Ready to Sell Your Erie Home?
Selling your home doesn't have to be hard! When you work with Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services, we'll ensure that every detail of the transaction is taken care of—and we can even help you find your next home, too. Just give us a call to learn more about listing with us, and let us know if you have any staging questions.
