Whether you’ve lived in your home for 5 years or 30, getting it ready to be listed for sale is a big deal. Over the years, you’ve grown attached to your home, and it’s never easy to part with something that holds so many memories, but if you’re thinking about moving onto bigger and better things, you’ll have to spend some time making your home appealing to potential buyers. You have to put yourself in the shoes of individuals who are house-hunting, so you can transform your home into something that they can picture themselves living in.
Check the Condition of the Water Heater
Water heaters are not meant to last forever. They generally have a lifespan of approximately 10 years, and if yours is nearing that age or is even older, that’s something that can make potential buyers look the other way. If you’ve noticed signs of wear, which includes knocking noises, cloudy water, leaks, and rusty water, you may want to consider having your water heater checked out by a water heater repair San Diego company. Repairs are much more cost-efficient than replacing the whole unit.
Pay Attention to the HVAC System
Having an HVAC system in good condition is another thing that will appeal to potential buyers. An HVAC system should last around 15-20 years, but there are many signs you should be aware of that can indicate the HVAC system is not working properly including extra-high energy bills, unpleasant odors, unpredictable temperatures, and a steady increase in your energy bills. It’s always a good idea to have your HVAC system professionally inspected once a year. If you haven’t done this as often as you should have, you’ll want to have it inspected before listing your home.
Spruce Up the Exterior
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see when they come to a showing. If your home is lacking proper curb appeal, you may want to make some changes that will help offer a better first impression. You want to aim for a neat and streamlined look so that potential buyers can imagine your home as their own. You can achieve this by spending time to declutter the front of your house by moving bikes and scooters out of sight, adding a new coat of paint, and adding some furniture to your porch. Another thing you can do that can make a big difference is power washing the siding, decks, and pavement.
Update Light Fixtures and Hardware
The good news about this step is that you can revamp your home without having to spend a fortune. If your light fixtures and cabinetry are all in good working order, there’s no need to replace anything; you can simply update the hardware on your cabinets and drawers, and update light fixtures. You can also update the light fixtures by spray painting metallic surfaces, replacing lampshades, and using a conversion kit.
Organize and Remove Clutter
The last thing potential homebuyers want to see when looking around your home is clutter. Clutter inside your home inhibits potential buyers from envisioning your house as their own. When you are going to have people touring your house, be sure to remove all personal items, such as pictures and toys, and try to keep it as neutral as possible. Make sure the closets are tidy, as well as cabinets and drawers. Basically, you want to get rid of what you’re not currently using to create a neutral atmosphere.
Getting your home sold can be a lot of work, and it can take money to get your home ready for being put on the market, but by paying attention to the little things, such as the curb appeal, you can have a better chance of selling your home faster.
