Once you’ve decided to sell your home, it’s time to make it marketable. That means preparing the house for prospective buyers, who may be walking through at any given moment. The number one mistake is neglecting repairs and upkeep, that’s what makes a house look bad. It can also mean making smart updates that improve both function and value. If you’re wondering how to make your home marketable, here are some things to prioritize before listing — with help from our experts.
Whether or not you plan on selling soon, however, taking care of these items will keep your property looking its best.
- Fix leaks immediately:
It sounds obvious, but the “leaky toilet” is one of the most common complaints among homebuyers, say experts at MJ Real Estate Consultants. Even if you’ve patched it up with a temporary fix (like that little red-and-white stickie), schedule a professional plumber visit as soon as possible. That way, you’ll be prepared for when — not if — another leak arises.
- Don’t neglect your yard:
A well-kept yard is an easy way to improve your home’s curb appeal. It doesn’t take much effort to keep up with it. Plus, it can have long-term benefits, considering research suggests that lawns are one of the best deterrents against burglaries.
- Patch up holes or stains on carpeting — no matter how small:
Our experts feel, people love hardwood floors but if any rips or stains are visible on your carpeting, they’ll likely want to know how often you’ve replaced it or had it cleaned, she explains. On the other hand, if it looks fine but is old and faded; consider replacing it altogether before putting your place on the market. It doesn’t have to be expensive either.
- Make sure all appliances are working properly:
It’s important that ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and refrigerators all function properly because potential buyers will want to test them out during their visit. A lot of people love seeing new appliances, but they also need to know that things work well. If you’re not sure how old your appliances are, look at the model numbers. A majority of manufacturers stamp them on an inconspicuous part of each device – like behind the handle or underneath the door where it doesn’t show easily. You can then look up that number online or head to a local appliance store for help tracking down its age.
- Make sure bathrooms are spacious enough:
People are looking for larger spaces, about bathrooms – especially when buying a home with multiple bedrooms. That’s why it’s essential to remove all clutter and storage from the room. Make sure there’s easy access to plumbing lines for sinks and toilets, too – that way, buyers won’t have any qualms about using or testing them out.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to improve your property without spending a lot of money, implement these smart updates. They’re small but could make a big difference when potential purchasers take a tour of your home.