House prices have gradually risen higher in the past few years. But is that trend starting to tip in the other direction?
Economic signs all point to darker financial times ahead. That is why you’ll need to go that extra mile to sell your home in a rocky and unpredictable market.
To help you do that, we’ve put together this guide on what you need to do when selling your house.
Get Rid of Clutter
Clutter in houses gives the appearance of a cramped and unloved property. So you need to be ruthless about getting rid of any surface clutter you don’t need.
That includes clearing away ornaments, photo frames, pet or kids toys, and things that need to find a property home (like shoes and coats).
Host a Yard Sale
Moving house is the perfect opportunity to host a yard sale. You can make cash to help fund your move and eliminate many things you no longer want.
Ensure you give items a good clean and polish and offer discounts for multiple purchases. Donate to charity anything still left at the end of the yard sale.
Repair Problem Areas
Potential buyers won’t want to buy a house that needs immediate repairs. So do an audit before you sell your home and focus on anything that needs a visible fix or renovation.
Everyday items include old carpets, broken tiles, plumbing issues, and kitchen cupboards. Check door handles and hinges. Check windows and locks. And don’t forget about things you infrequently use, like loft hatches or garage doors.
Deep Clean
Once you’ve made immediate repairs and decluttered your rooms, it’s time to arrange a deep clean.
Depending on the size of your home and your budget, it might be best to hire professional cleaning services for this as they will achieve a more polished finish.
At the very least, hire equipment such as carpet cleaning machines to help you lift dirt patches. If the carpets are old, searching carpet near me might be your best bet. And re-grout all bathroom tiles to return them to that new, white finish.
Add Curb Appeal
Don’t forget that first impressions count; the first part of your home potential buyers will see is the front of the house. Start by trimming back hedges and weeding the lawn.
Make sure paths are clear and paving slabs are clean and tidy (replace broken ones). If your front looks a little plain and uninviting, add some pretty potted plants and give your front door a new coat of paint.
Tidy up the Backyard
If you have a backyard, you don’t need to invest thousands of dollars in landscaping it, but as a smart homeowner, you want to ensure it’s neat. Cut the lawn and trim back hedges, and remove weeds. Repair any broken fences.
Tips for Selling Your House
Even in a challenging housing market, there are lots you can do to improve your chance of a successful sale. Use these tips on selling your house as your starting point.
For more information on the most popular types of homes in the current market, head to our real estate talk section.