If you’ve decided to sell your home, expect to perform minor repairs and enhancements as part of the preparation.
Small things like replacing rugs, door handles, and decluttering can help your property become more attractive to potential buyers. Preparing your home well can also help preserve its fair market value and make it more welcoming to people interested in acquiring your property.
Being that it’s critical to give your living space a once over before listing it up for sale, here are some of the easiest ways to groom your property for a successful sale:
1. Check If You Have Tax Obligations
The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) considers your home as a capital asset. When sold, it becomes subject to capital gains tax.
Fortunately, because of some exclusions cited in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, the majority of home sellers are excluded from paying this tax obligation. For sellers who’ve stayed in the property for two to five years before the home sale, the exemption covers proceeds of up to USD$250,000 for unmarried homeowners. The amount of tax exclusion limit is doubled for married couples.
It’s best to check the IRS website or ask a real estate tax attorney for more information.
2. Declutter
Your living space will have an instant uplift if you get rid of unnecessary objects that only create a mess. Apart from making your room look dirty, things strewn about the room will make the room look cramped.
Remove, repurpose, sell, or give away any item you don’t use or want anymore. Doing so can help make your room look significantly better. It may not increase the value of your home directly, but it can make your property more attractive to prospective buyers.
3. Clean Like There’s No Tomorrow
Ready your organic home cleaners and bleach as you scrub, dust, sweep, mop, and wipe every inch of your home. Leave no area untouched. Make sure to remove any water stains on the ceilings and walls. You don’t want buyers to turn their backs away after seeing your property in full disarray.
In fact, real estate agents require home sellers to make their homes presentable by leaving their homes clean.
4. Make Minor Repairs
There’s no better time to replace that loose cabinet handle you’ve been planning to upgrade for several years. Little things like re-caulking doors and windows and replacing torn window screens can go a long way in leaving a good impression on your buyers.
Also, remember to replace leaky faucets and fix slow drains. Keep in mind that your buyer can request a home inspection, and any defect—even the most inconsequential ones—can be used by the other party to negotiate for a lower price.
5. Make Upgrades On A Shoestring Budget
If you only have a few hundred dollars to spend, focus on inexpensive things that could help make your home look more elegant. For instance, replace handles and drawer pulls with alternatives with a chrome finish for a more modern look. Conjure a warmer environment inside your home by snagging a set of lights with timers and dimmers. If your yard doesn’t have lights on, you can purchase string lights for less than USD$100.
You don’t have to spend a lot to make your home look like it’s worth a lot.
6. Focus On Curb Appeal
A presentable outdoor area is just as important as a neat and tidy indoor space. So, make sure to spend some time in your yard.
Boost your home’s curb appeal by cleaning your yard, revamping your patio, or adding a few more plants on the deck. If you have some cash to spare, considering hiring professional landscapers to spruce up your front yard.
Boosting your home’s curb appeal makes it more inviting to buyers and guests alike.
7. Repaint Your Walls
Different colors evoke diverse feelings in people, according to concepts in color psychology. That being said, not everyone will look at your plum-colored bedroom in a nice way. Or people may become a bit confrontational seeing red-hued walls on your kitchen.
Make time to repaint your walls in neutral tones to make them look more ‘friendly.’ Colors like olive green, ecru, tan, and beige are the most common choices. Light-colored paint reflects natural light better, giving your home an airier and more welcoming feel.
8. Remove Personal Items
Leaving your stuff inside cabinets may not be a good idea to welcome your home’s potential new owners. Make sure to clear out all fixtures of your personal effects to make guests feel that they’re welcome. The same thing goes for wall decors showing a photo of you and your family on a fun vacation.
Refusing to take off personal items might be misinterpreted as you being unprepared to let go of your home.
Final Thoughts
Before listing your property up for sale, you have to prep it up to accept its new owners. You don’t have to spend much, for the most part, so don’t worry if you only have a few hundred dollars in your pocket. Just keep the suggestions above in mind to prepare your home for selling easily.
About Author:
Sally Murphy is a real estate professional. She has a background in taxes and finance. Sally shares her expertise online through blogging. During her free time, she loves to cook and bake. She is married with two lovely daughters.
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