Summer is peak season for the housing market, so it’s a great time to sell
your home. If you’re selling this season, strike while the iron (like the weather) is hot by
getting your home into tip-top shape before you list it. How? Follow these tips and
make your house the stand-out Nebraska property this season.
No one wants to imagine living with all your clutter. And if you’re honest with yourself,
you’re probably not enjoying living with all your clutter. Declutter closets, cupboards,
garages, attics, and basements of everything that you don’t need or use, and if you’re
still tight on space, rent a storage unit for any overflow. Depersonalize your space by
removing family photos, knick-knacks, and sentimental pieces that don’t add to the look
of the home.
Paint walls with neutral colors and make minor repairs before listing your house. Your home
will show better, and you can both boost your asking price and avoid buyer-requested
repairs that can slow down the process. Don’t forget to repair decks and concrete
cracks, pressure wash the driveway and siding, tighten (or replace) doorknobs and
cabinet pulls, scrub cabinets to remove fingerprints and clean up caulked and grouted
surfaces.
Consider hiring a professional stager to create the ideal aesthetic for your home’s
interior. Stagers know how to highlight your home’s best features while minimizing
flaws, which makes it easy for buyers to envision living there.
Or rather, make buyers’ enthusiasm start at the curb. Summer showcases your yard
and trees at their best, so enhance your landscaping by adding plants and flowers that
thrive during this season. Wondering if it’s worth the time and expense to do some
gardening? One study showed good curb appeal can add between 7% and 14% to the
value of your house.* On a $250,000 home, that may net an additional $17,500 to
$35,000 … well worth a trip to the home and garden store.
Look for any opportunity to help buyers imagine themselves enjoying the season in your
outdoor spaces. Think deck chairs and tables on the patio, a rocking chair on the porch,
a firepit that conjures images of marshmallow roasts, and outdoor lighting to keep the
fun flowing after the sun goes down.
Anyone can throw cookies on a plate for an open house. Why not kick things up a notch
by adding a theme? Give your backyard a garden party feel with a croquet set and trays
of sparkling iced tea. Set out a festive cake and small treat bags to help visitors imagine
all the birthdays and special events they could enjoy in this house.
Open curtains and keep windows sparkling clean to take advantage of all the sunshine.
You’ll need your air conditioner running in tip-top condition, so have it serviced and
change all air filters. Bring the outdoors in with fresh flowers and brightly colored
accents, like throw pillows, bedding, and towels. Summer has its special vibe, so
make sure buyers feel it.
And if you're curious about what your home is worth in Nebraska, contact us to get a free equity review by one of our expert local REALTORS®.
Source:
*The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, “Valuing Curb Appeal,” September 6, 2019.
© Nebraska Realty 2024. All rights reserved.
