We know that preparing to sell your home is a stressful process; it seems like there are a thousand things to do! Relax, and take a second to breathe. Prioritization is key here, and that’s why we’ve made a list of the five most important things to do before you put your house on the market.

Following these simplified steps will help you save time, stress less, and add value to your home in the eyes of potential buyers.

Schedule a Deep Cleaning

Homeowners often become blind to the dust and smells of their own homes; it kind of comes with the territory. A potential buyer will be looking at every nook and cranny with fresh eyes and you better believe they’ll notice your cobwebs!

While it may seem daunting to deep clean your home, it will make a big difference in the long run when buyers think about their walk-through. A clean home is easier to picture living in and more enjoyable to imagine as well. If it’s within budget, we always recommend hiring a professional cleaning service to save yourself time and guarantee maximum impact.

Prepare a Maintenance and Repair Folder

Documenting the updates, repairs, and maintenance on your home is a surefire way to get a buyer’s attention. Prepare a folder with all information in this category, including phone numbers for companies that have serviced your home in the past or are familiar with the property.

Think about it: Would you rather buy a home that can tell you the year the water heater was replaced and the time of the last roof inspection? Or the home that keeps these important details a mystery?

Paint the Walls a Neutral Color

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home’s image. It will make it feel updated and well cared for. This is even more important if you have used bold colors or personalized rooms for children. These will often need to be painted over by the next owners anyway, and the added expense can make them walk away.

A neutral coat of paint in your rooms can raise your home’s market value and attract more buyers. Beige, white, and light grays are all safe choices.

Make Some Updates

It may seem silly, but making some small updates can have a huge impact on your home’s appeal. It’s an easy way to put value into your home and add a more modern look to the interior.

Updating the light fixtures and installing new hardware on cabinet doors are both relatively small expenses that will revitalize your home. You may even consider replacing countertops or upgrading the landscaping. While these projects cost a little more, they can also have a bigger wow factor.

Fix What Needs Fixin’

Few buyers want to get into a home that will need big repairs in the immediate future. Issues with your foundation, roof, HVAC, or wiring can be BIG red flags.

Spending the money upfront to repair these issues may seem like an unnecessary expense to you — but remember that any repairs you do will add value to your home, while repairs you neglect will subtract value. Fixing these things can actually add thousands of dollars to your list price, and save you a headache when it’s time for the inspection.

If you need the help of a qualified professional to complete some of these projects, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Visit www.thegoodcontractorslist.com to find trustworthy contractors near you. We only allow the very best contractors to be on our list, and we back their work with a $10,000 guarantee!

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