Seven Tips for Preparing to Put Your House on the Market

During our house hunt last year we learned quite a few things about the home buying process, but it also helped up learned quite a few things about the selling process as well. If you’re planning on putting your house on the market anytime soon make sure you check your area to see what’s hot and selling fast. As a recent buyer I’m sharing seven tips from a buyer’s perspective for putting your house on the market.

Inspect The Roof

Depending on the age of your home the roof may need some updates, repairs, or may even need replacing before selling. If you’re looking to get the best price for your home and to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Addressing potential deal breakers before heading to market can help to make your listing more attractive. You can request quotes from roofing companies like Westchase Roofing. While Westchase services the Tampa area you can search for professional roofers in your area.

Get a Seller’s Warranty

Home warranty companies can be hit or miss, but problems with appliances, plumbing, and more can stop or completely end negotiations during the selling process. A seller’s warranty can help you with costly repairs and replacements before putting your home on the market, keeping you from spending a lot of your own money.

Check Smoke Detectors

It may seem like a small task on a list of so many things to get your house on the market, but recent changes to fire safety codes for dwellings. When putting a house on the market new smoke detectors with carbon monoxide detectors are the best option. In Maryland, they are required to be placed on each level of the home and recommended for each bedroom as well. If your smoke detectors are new simply replace the batteries, but if they are older or haven’t been replaced in a while, purchase new ones and write the installation and replacement dates on them.

Make Minor Repairs

You’ll be surprised how small repairs and updates can add more value to your home. Fresh paint, a proper deep cleaning, replacing blinds, and other small home improvement projects can help your home look like new again. Check local deal sites like Groupon for cleaning services, some even specialize in cleaning your home to prepare for a sale.

Pick the Right Realtor

Picking the right realtor can really help make the process of selling your home easier. They can help you with everything you need to get the ball rolling and getting your home listed. Realtors can make suggestions for improving your home and helping with suggesting service providers. A good realtor will take all the stress out of the process and help you get to closing in a breeze.

Don’t Forget the Curb Appeal

While you’re preparing your home for sale be sure to put some effort on the outside of the home as well. Don’t forget the curb appeal. While most people are viewing homes online, some potential buyers may come from word of mouth or neighborhood searching. When we were looking for a home we drove through lots of neighborhoods looking for houses for sale before we talked with our realtor about the house we wanted to view. It gave us an idea of the neighborhood and area before we got very involved in the process of searching.

Add Attractive Details

As a parent looking for a home, schools were very important to us. We based our home purchase on the schools in the area. Depending on what your neighborhood has to offer, be sure to include those attractive details in your listing. If the public schools are top rated, highlight it to attract families. If your home is convenient to restaurants, bars, and other nightlife, be sure to include it to attract singles and young couples. Small details go a long way in listing a home, especially since most of your potential buyers don’t see the neighborhood prior to viewing the home.

Current market trends show it’s a seller‘s market, so now is the time to get your home listed if you have been thinking about a change. These tips are just a few ways you can maximize your home value and come out on top at closing.