Let’s address the 11,000 pound elephant in the room: maybe you’re wondering: “why would Aquamist, a Carpet Care company be writing about selling homes?” And that would be a reasonable question! Truth is, we clean the rugs and carpets for people moving into newly purchased homes all the time. Clients are often so blown away at the difference the clean carpets make, they often remark that they would likely have paid more if the carpets were cleaned before seeing the home.
Really, it’s no secret: real estate is something of a favourite past time here in Victoria BC, and so, for all you sellers out there, here are some tips from our own experience that could help you sell your home faster, and for more.
Despite the fact that a home is usually one of the most expensive things anyone will ever buy, first impressions still play a crucial part in influencing buyers. To ensure you get a quick sale at or near your asking price, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to make the property more appealing to potential buyers. Consider the following tips to give your home a better chance to sell in the highly competitive market:
1. Carry Out Any Repairs
Addressing any defects on your home will help to satisfy the watchful eyes of home inspectors who buyers often hire when looking at property. In fact, property defects discovered by home inspectors account the vast majority of failed sales. You might even want to consider hiring a home inspector yourself to get some professional advice on any repairs or modifications that need to be carried out.
2. Brighten It Up
Maximizing the amount of natural light in your home has a major impact on its liveability, but it doesn’t always have to be a complicated or expensive process. You can brighten up your home in just a day by making sure all of the windows are clean and any overhanging branches are trimmed back. A fresh coat of paint and some clean curtains can also make a huge difference.
3. Make It Less Personalized
While it’s important not to make your home completely sterile, it’s just as essential not to make it too ‘lived in’. Potential buyers will want to be able to imagine their own things in the home, so getting rid of any unconventional customizations can make it easier to sell. Most buyers lack the vision to be able to see past your own design tastes, so consider giving the home a more neutral appearance.
4. Invest in Professional Cleaning
A dirty or untidy home will almost certainly not command a good price or even be possible to sale. Consider having your carpets professionally cleaned as well to freshen up the place. Likewise, cut the grass and patch up any unkempt areas of the garden. You may also want to keep any pets out of the way when you have viewings lined up, since not everyone is a big fan of having animals in the house.
5. Don’t Neglect Storage Space
While cleaning your home in preparation for potential buyers, consider decluttering any storage areas. Storage space is a key concern for many homebuyers, and a lot of people will snoop around during viewing to take a closer look at the details. Be sure to keep any storage rooms and closets as tidy and as empty as possible. The less clutter you have in your home, the bigger it will look.
Final Words
When selling a home, the first impression is often the only one that counts, and many potential buyers will judge the property the moment they enter the door. Make sure the entryway is as presentable as possible, and ensure all rooms (particularly kitchens and bathrooms) are spotlessly clean. The better the first impression people have of your home, the more likely you’ll get your asking price.