Keeping Your Home Ahead of the Competition - Susan Sykes
Keeping your home ahead of the competition
As the housing market continues to remain competitive in and around Walton County, one of the best things you can do is be prepared for your home to hit the market. It is more crucial than ever to make sure you are setting yourself above the competition. Upkeep and regular maintenance during home ownership will keep a seller from rushing into and investing a large sum of money right before selling, ensuring your home is ready to be sold in its best light. Even following the best practices doesn’t guarantee a quick sell but running through a few checklist items might give you the advantage you need to jump ahead.
“Mama, I’m Cleaning Out My Closet”
Thoroughly clean your entire home, including carpets, windows, and appliances. Declutter each room by removing unnecessary items. Consider renting a storage unit for excess furniture and personal items. Pay special attention to closets and storage spaces – potential buyers often look inside. Potential buyers need to be able to envision themselves and their belongings in your home. Make the process easier for them by clearing out the clutter.
“I Put Your Picture Away”
Remove personal items like family photos, personal collections, and unique decor that may distract potential buyers. Neutralize the color scheme in order to appeal to a broader range of tastes and preferences. You want them to look at your home and what it has to offer, not get caught up in how cute (and we know they are) your family photos are.
“First Impressions”
First impressions matter! Enhance the curb appeal of your property through proper landscape maintenance. Give your yard a refresh with the addition of fresh pine straw and mulch, trim bushes, and add some color with the addition of flowerbeds. Clean the exterior of your home by pressure washing as well as cleaning the windows and gutters. Now is the perfect time to inspect the condition of fascia boards, window casings, trim, etc. Replace any rotten or compromised wood and consider a fresh coat of paint if needed.
“Can we fix it? Yes we can!”
Repair any known issues such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or cracked tiles. Check the HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical systems for any problems. Address repairs as they present themselves so you can boast a well-maintained property. Ensure good lighting throughout the house. Replace old or dim light bulbs and consider adding lamps in darker areas. Open curtains and blinds to let natural light in. Arrange furniture in a way that highlights the rooms’ functionality and space.
“Standing Room Only”
Concentrating on kitchen and bathroom areas is a must. No matter the size of the kitchen, crowds will still gather there during parties and family functions – make sure yours looks its best! Clear the counters, clean out that junk drawer, fix the drippy faucet, and deep clean the appliances. Ensure they are spotless, and make small upgrades if necessary. Make sure your bathrooms receive the same attention – nobody wants to see those hard water rings.
“Working For The Weekend”
Above all else, hire a professional Realtor® who is familiar with the market and current conditions. A Realtor® will be able to research comparable homes in your area to determine a competitive and realistic asking price. The right one will provide high-quality photos, a well-written description of the property, and will invest the time needed to sell your home – even nights and weekends – and achieve your goals. A virtual tour and video presentation will help potential buyers visualize the layout of your home. Your Realtor® will provide you with the proper disclosures to complete in order to provide Buyers with accurate information regarding your home and the community in which you live.
Remember that first impressions matter, and a well presented home is likely to sell faster. Inventory may be low, but homebuyers still look for quality. Make sure your property is at the top end of the search.