Have you noticed it’s graduation time again? I’ve seen the guys in tuxedos picking up corsages at the store. I have seen young ladies coming out of salons with elegant hairstyles. And when I drove through my neighborhood last night, couples were posing in front of flowering bushes for parents trying to capture the perfect photo.
Getting ready for prom these days is serious business. Months of planning are needed for the preparation process of this great event. Money is set aside. Appointments and reservations are made. Many dresses are tried on until they find the right one. The tuxedo that best goes with the dress is ordered. They paint their nails and order the flowers. Every detail is covered: hair, makeup, jewelry, purse, shoes, coat, reservations, transportation, spending money, etc. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it when it all comes together in the end to make for a night to remember.
Did you know that preparing your home to hit the market with the greatest success is a lot like preparing for prom? It takes time, planning, and a lot of effort to come together for the big event: your property’s official listing for sale.
Here are some tips to prepare your house for “Prom Night” and increase your chances of selling it quickly and for the best possible price:
Start the planning process early ~ I love it when a client comes to me for a consultation as early as a year before they plan to list their property for advice on what steps to take now to be ready to list later.
Determine how to look your best from head to toe ~ Use a professional Home Stager to help you evaluate your home from a buyer’s perspective and formulate a prioritized action plan to most effectively and efficiently prepare your home to be market-ready inside and out on buying day the quote. This professional direction will be invaluable in helping you maximize the equity you have in your home.
Plan your budget ~ Getting your home ready for the market usually requires some investment. Your professional Home Stager and Realtor® can advise you on the best way to allocate your funds to get the best return on your investment. And many of the items that will help your home look better, like new towels and bedding and updated light fixtures and fixtures, will be brought to your new home.
Create a checklist to stay on track ~ Use six months, five months,… three weeks, two weeks,…, etc. And divide each list by areas inside and outside your home.
Make necessary appointments well in advance ~ Decide what tasks you can do yourself and where you will need professional help. Will you need a handyman, house cleaner, electrician, plumber, window cleaner, painter, wallpaper remover, landscaper, outside storage, etc.? Call them now and schedule them.
don’t forget the flowers ~ Fresh flowers in a pretty vase or fresh fruit (lemons, green apples) in a couple of key areas like the entryway, dining room or living room add a nice touch.
Take photos before the dance when you look your best. ~ If you’ve followed your checklist, your home will be ready from top to toe, sparkling clean as a white glove and looking its best. This is the time to take your MLS photo and video tour, allowing you to maximize your first impression with over 85% of your potential buyers who will start their search online. Your house will be sending out the clear “this is the one!” message to buyers.
Keep your touch-up tools close at hand ~ Have a system to keep your house show ready. Keeping the house as tidy as possible is the best way to go. Make beds and get ready each morning and clean up masses as they occur. A large basket on each level of your home that can be stored on a shelf or in a cabinet works well for cleaning out any items that are out when you get the call for a visitor. Dirty clothes can be thrown in the washing machine. Clean towels must be placed “for display only” in each bathroom. Keep cleaning wipes under counters in the kitchen and bathrooms for quick touch-ups. Clean up after your pets every day and store their things in an out-of-the-way place, like the garage or laundry room. Get everyone in the habit of keeping toilet seats down. As a general rule of thumb, it’s always safest to leave the house “show-ready” every time you go out.
Just like prom, selling your house is a big deal. Plan ahead, get advice and help from professionals, and complete your to-do list. When the big day arrives for you to make your market debut, you’ll be ready to stand out from the crowd and be the queen of the ball. Your efforts will be well rewarded when in the blink of an eye your buyer knocks on your door knowing that your home is the perfect fit for their glass slipper!
