Tips for Orlando Home Selling
How Can I Prepare My Home to Sell?
If your goal for selling your home is getting top dollar, then these are the tips for you! Sometimes these tips might seem counter-productive or even difficult to hear, but trust me; years of experience and hundreds (probably even thousands?) of showings with buyers has taught me what they are looking for.
First, as you might image, make sure your home’s curb appeal is top notch. From the landscaping to the trees and bushes, your yard should be pruned and fresh mulch should be put down. Fresh paint, some pressure washing, a welcoming front porch area, and even a new front door knob can contribute to someone’s first impression of your home. Don’t let something as simple as dirt or rust keep you from getting an offer from a buyer.
Inside, it goes without saying that your home should be tidy and clean, but consider putting the majority of your personal items, knick knacks, and even major decor items away or in storage. You might be thinking that your personal effects make the house feel more like a home, but to a new buyer, your personal effects make it feel like your home, and that makes it hard for them to envision it as their home. They need a clean slate so they can picture their own belongings and decor in the space.
You’ll want to make sure there are no offensive odors present as well – and sometimes, you might not be able to smell them because you’re used to them. If you have pets, or if you’re a smoker, consider getting your all carpets, upholstery, and drapes steam cleaned.
If you’re trying to sell a vacant home, talk to your agent about home staging, which is often a great way to get top dollar for your listing when the competition is thick.
Can I Improve My Home’s Value?
If you’re hoping to improve your home’s value before you put it on the market, that’s a smart move! You’d be amazed at the times that I’ve advised sellers to spend anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, and the result was a faster selling time and a higher selling price!
Personally, I prefer to do a walkthrough of your home before advising you on what items are the best bang-for-your-buck on improvements, but here are some general things you can do to improve your home’s value.
- Fresh paint – inside and/or outside, fresh paint gives everything a clean, new feeling.
- Replace worn or stained carpet – just like paint, the flooring of a home can make even an old home seem newer.
- Kitchens and bathrooms – I know these are higher-priced items, but they are the rooms that buyers pay the closest attention to. Consider the faucets, appliances, cabinets, and other fixtures.
- Roofs, windows, and siding – if any of these items are damaged and you are willing to make the necessary repairs, do it! It will likely save time and money in the long run.
- AC/Heating units – if you’re having issues with your heating and cooling, address them before trying to sell. In Florida, trying to sell a home with poor or missing air conditioning components is very difficult.
Are Marketing Photos Important?
Marketing photos is the most important aspect of your home’s listing, because those photos go everywhere and they serve as the first impression to thousands of potential buyers.