The time has come to move on from your home in Florida.
You’ve loved living here, but now it’s time for a new beginning someplace else.
Or, maybe you never even intended to stay here long-term and now it’s time to cash in on your investment.
Whatever the reason, you’ve made the decision to sell your home and you want to do it quickly and for the best possible price.
The first step is understanding what potential buyers will be looking for. With that in mind, here are 13 projects you should prioritize before putting your house on the market:
1. Repair any damage
This is an obvious one, but it’s important to make sure that all of the physical damage to your property is taken care of before listing it. This includes things like fixing any holes in the walls, repairing any broken windows, and patching up any cracks in the foundation. If you have any serious damage, it’s worth hiring a professional to take a look and give you an estimate for the repairs.
2. Replace any outdated features
Even if there’s nothing physically wrong with your home, potential buyers might be turned off by features that are simply out of style. If your countertops are from the 80s or your appliances are from the 90s, now is the time to replace them. This will also help you get a higher price for your home.
3. Paint the walls
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room, and it’s something that potential buyers will definitely notice. If you have any bright or bold colors, now is the time to tone them down. You want your home to look as neutral as possible so that buyers can imagine themselves living there.
4. Clean the carpets
If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, it’s important to make sure it’s clean before potential buyers come to look at your home. If it’s stained or smells bad, they’ll definitely be turned off. You can either hire a professional to clean the carpets or do it yourself with a rented carpet cleaner.
5. Improve landscape lighting
Good lighting can make a big difference, both inside and outside of your home. If your outdoor lights are outdated or don’t work properly, now is the time to replace them.
You might also want to consider adding landscape lights from Blingle! Lakewood Ranch to highlight features in your yard that you want potential buyers to notice.
How to improve landscape lighting?
- Start by evaluating your current landscape lighting.
- Look at each light and determine whether it’s still effective and relevant or if it needs to be replaced.
- Be sure to also check the condition of the wiring and transformers.
- Once you have a good understanding of what needs to be improved, start planning your new landscape lighting.
- Think about what areas you want to highlight and what kind of atmosphere you want to create.
- Once you have a plan, start shopping for new fixtures.
- Be sure to buy high-quality lights that will last for many years.
- Finally, install your new landscape lighting and enjoy your improved outdoor space!
6. Declutter the closets
In addition to decluttering the rooms in your home, it’s also important to declutter the closets. This will make them look bigger and more inviting to potential buyers. Plus, it will give you a chance to get rid of any clothes or other items that you no longer use or need.
How to declutter the closet:
- To begin, remove everything from the closet and divide it into three piles: keep, donate, and trash.
- Go through the “keep” pile and put back only the items that you actually use and need.
- Donate or sell the items in the “donate” pile.
- Throw away the items in the “trash” pile.
7. Put away personal items
Another way to make your home more appealing to potential buyers is to put away any personal items like family photos, collections, and keepsakes. You want them to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, and it’s harder for them to do that if they’re constantly reminded that it’s yours.
8. Clean the windows
Dirty windows can make a whole room look dirty, so it’s important to make sure they’re clean before potential buyers come to look at your home. If you have a lot of windows, you might want to hire a professional to do this for you.
How to clean windows:
- Start by mixing equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on the windows and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Wipe the windows with a clean, dry cloth or sponge.
- Rinse the windows with clean water and dry them with a clean, dry towel.
9. Clean the gutters
Another part of your home that potential buyers will definitely notice is the gutters. If they’re full of leaves and debris, it will make your whole house look unkempt. So, be sure to clean them out before listing your home. Gutters are easy to clean with a garden hose and a ladder. Just be sure to be careful when climbing the ladder!
10. Power wash the exterior
If your home’s exterior is looking a little bit dingy, you can quickly and easily improve its appearance by power washing it. Any dirt, grime, or mildew that has accumulated over time will be eliminated by doing this. Make it a fun family activity by enlisting the assistance of the children. You can rent a power washer from your neighborhood hardware store if you don’t already have one.
11. Mow the lawn
Another way to make your home’s exterior more appealing is to simply make sure the lawn is well-groomed. This means mowing it on a regular basis and trimming the edges. You might also want to fertilize it and plant some flowers to add a pop of color.
12. Repair any damaged fencing
If you have a fence around your property, now is the time to repair any damage that’s been done to it. This includes things like broken boards, loose posts, and gaps. Not only will this make your fence look better, but it will also make your whole property look more well-maintained.
13. Get rid of any unwanted items
If you have any unwanted items taking up space in your yard or garage, now is the time to get rid of them. This includes things like old furniture, broken appliances, and unused tools. Not only will this declutter your property, but it will also make it look more spacious.
Selling your home can be a daunting task, but if you take the time to do some simple things to prepare it, you’ll be sure to attract potential buyers. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and for the best price possible.
If you’re from Florida, surely you’ll be needing these tips! As you apply these tips, you will increase the chance of your home being sold quickly and for a great price. Good luck!
