Selling your home can be a significant undertaking, and first impressions are everything. With careful preparation, you can enhance its appeal and attract potential buyers. Follow this checklist guide to get your home market-ready and increase your chances of a successful sale.
1. Curb Appeal:
Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and plant fresh flowers to create a welcoming first impression.
Repaint the front door and clean windows for a polished look.
Ensure the address numbers are visible and in good condition.
Tidy up the backyard, clear debris, and ensure any outdoor furniture is clean and in good condition.
Consider adding plants or flowers to create an inviting outdoor space.
2. Declutter and Depersonalize:
Remove excess furniture, personal items, and family photos to make the space feel more neutral. Remove all notes/photos from your refrigerator. Store/hide bath items (i.e., shampoo bottles, etc.)
Rent a storage unit if needed to store items that are not essential during the selling process, or consider storing items in the garage.
Clean and organize closets, cabinets, and storage areas to demonstrate ample storage capacity.
3. Clean Thoroughly:
Deep clean every room, including carpets, windows, and all surfaces.
Pay extra attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, as these areas are critical selling points.
4. Repairs and Maintenance:
Fix any visible issues such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked tiles.
Replace old or burnt out light bulbs.
Consider upgrading or removing dated appliances.
5. Fresh Paint:
Apply a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors to brighten up the space and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
6. Maximize Lighting:
Replace burnt-out bulbs and ensure all rooms have sufficient lighting.
Keep curtains and blinds open during showings to let in natural light.
7. Stage for Success:
Arrange furniture to showcase the home's best features and create a sense of space.
Add tasteful decorations to make the house feel inviting.
Eliminate any unpleasant smells by using air fresheners or candles.
Consider professional staging, if applicable.
8. Gather you Paperwork:
Gather important documents related to the property, including permits, warranties, prior disclosures, utility bills, history of termite treatment, plumbing inspections, PV Information (such as Ownership or Lease Agreements, Net Metering Info, or Buy Out Agreements), any communication from your HOA (like maintenance fee increases, special assessments, notices, etc.)
9. Preparing for your Professional Photography Appointment:
Make sure that pool cleaners and/or landscapers do not show up during the shoot.
Remove all vehicles from driveways and do not part directly in front of the property.
Tidy up yard, hide hoses, remove leaves, etc.
Know if your yard sprinkler system will go off during the shoot.
Turn on all interior lights, open shades & curtains.
Turn off ceiling fans to avoid blurred photos.
Store any items that is preferred not to be in photography in the garage (for ex: garbage cans, electrical cords, pet supplies, etc.)
Staging Ideas: A bowl of fruit in the kitchen, add flowers and plants to the interior, pillows to outdoor chairs, set dining tables, or towels to pool chairs.
If there is a twilight/sunset shoot scheduled, ensure that your exterior landscape lighting, exterior flood lights, or gas tiki torches work. All interior lights should be on so that it's visible from the exterior.
If there are special features about the home, provide access to turn those items on/off (i.e., spa waterfall systems or pool fountains, etc.)
By following this checklist, you'll be well on your way to preparing your home for sale and increasing its appeal to potential buyers. Remember that first impressions matter, so investing time and effort in the preparation process can make a significant difference in the final sale outcome. Good luck with your home sale!
Questions? For more info, call Shaila at 808-741-7155 or email shaila@hawaiihe.com. Hawaii Homes & Estates LLC. License No: RB-20456.