10 Ways to Prep Your House for a Sale

If you're thinking about selling your house, the time to start preparing is right now. Homes that are clean, well-presented, and priced right often receive multiple offers. However, selling a home still requires some preparation. 

Here are ten things to do as soon as you start thinking about selling a home. 

1. Update Your Landscaping
   Anyone who is thinking about selling a home should take a hard look at the landscaping. Getting started on this task early will give the plants time to grow, giving your home a more natural look. Also, consider fertilizing your lawn, cleaning up trees and bushes, and adding fresh mulch.  
2. Improve Your Curb Appeal
   Any real estate agent will tell you that great curb appeal is a critical part of selling a home. If needed, put in a new mailbox. Pressure wash your siding, clean the gutters, seal the driveway, and clean up any junk around the outside of your home. 
3. Dress Up Your Entryway
   Selling a home often happens before the buyer even walks in the door. First impressions are everything, so make sure your entryway is beautiful and inviting. Add a fresh coat of paint to your porch and consider painting your front door in a color that contrasts with your house's exterior. Add a welcome mat, a wreath, and some new house numbers to give it a finishing touch. 
4. Make Repairs
   It's a great idea to look around your house with a critical eye and start fixing any problems you notice. From a dripping faucet to that light switch that doesn't work, little things make a big difference when selling a home. If your home needs any major repairs, get those done as well. 
5. Depersonalize
   When you're selling a home, potential buyers need to envision themselves living there. This means that you have to remove those family portraits, your rare art collection, and anything else that reflects your unique personality. 
6. Declutter
   This is also a great time to get rid of things you don't need and box other items up. This makes selling a home easier and gives you a head start when it's time to pack. 
7. Organize Closets and Drawers
   You might be tempted to "clean" your house by shoving items away in closets and drawers. However, when you're selling a home, you can't expect much privacy. There's a good chance that potential buyers might look there too! Get a head start on organizing these spaces, and you'll have one less thing to worry about. 
8. Go Neutral
   If you have rooms painted in bold colors, it's time to tone them down. Put on a coat of primer and paint over it with a neutral color. Selling a home is much easier when buyers aren't busy thinking about what a nightmare it's going to be to repaint those walls. 
9. Eliminate Bad Odors
   A bad smell is the best way to ruin a potential home sale. If you have pets, mold issues, or you've smoked in your home, you need to take care of this right away. Many times this requires replacing carpets and removing upholstery. If it's bad, you may need to repaint or have your HVAC duct system cleaned. This will take time, so don't wait until the last minute. 
10. Gather Your Warranties
    When selling a home, it's typical for most of the appliances to come with it. If you have warranties on your appliances, HVAC system, roof, and other important items, it's a good idea to gather these up ahead of time. This way, you won't have to search for them when closing day arrives.

Selling a home is much easier when you're prepared. Follow these steps, and you'll be ready for those offers to come rolling in! 

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