Most agents I know are not thinking about selling right now, myself included. Most of us are thinking of ways we can service our clients in other ways. We want to be helpful. We want to be busy. We want to help support our communities. I personally started having Zoom meetings with future buyers and sellers and even random people I meet on Facebook that just have a quick real estate question but no desire to buy or sell. I've discussed with my sellers what they can be doing while they are stuck at home to prep their homes to be ready when the time comes to list. I've connected future clients with the proper lenders to get them ready. There's so much information we can share with you that has nothing to do with selling right now. BUT, for those that are itching to sell the minute this crazy pandemic slows and we can all get back to normal, I put this list together to help you get started.
Since you’re stuck indoors for the foreseeable future, you may be wondering how you are going to fill your time. I know I am! If you have plans, or are just considering, putting your house on the market when this is all over, now is the best time to get it ready! What better way to pass the hours and be productive than preparing your house for sale? While some checklist items may be obvious, there may be a few to-do list boxes you aren’t sure you need to check. Here is a list for you to get your house ready for sale!
Start Outside
If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere having nice spring weather right now, or warmer days than normal take advantage of being outdoors without breaking any local rules. In most cases, you are permitted to enjoy the sunshine on your own property, so now is the best time to spruce up the outside. If you have a power washer, clean your siding and any sidewalks or driveways attached to your home. Boost your curb appeal by mowing the lawn, touching up any landscaping work.
Make Any Repairs
Take care of whatever repairs you can that don’t require an unnecessary trip to the store. Swap out old lightbulbs, fix that window that keeps jamming shut, and patch up any dents or scrapes on your indoor walls.
Make Your Home Inviting
If you have any paint on hand, give your front door a fresh coat and add a new floor mat (ordered online!) to make your home feel approachable. If a potential buyer doesn’t feel welcome approaching your home, they likely won’t want to live in it.
Declutter Your Home
This is the best time to realize how much you actually use items in your home. If you’ve been stuck indoors for several weeks and you still haven’t used an item, add it to your donate or toss pile. Not only is this great to help prepare for sale, but it will help your mental health while you are stuck inside. Clearing clutter is extremely beneficial for many reasons, and it will make your move that much easier. I think I have cleaned and organized just about every room in my home by now!
Clean & Organize Your Home
After you’ve decluttered, it is time to clean and organize. When someone tours your home, they want to feel like it can be theirs. If your home is scattered with items and there is barely any room to walk around, it will be hard for them to picture themselves living there. Having your items cleaned and organized will also help you when it is time to pack and move on!
Eliminate Odors
You are probably craving fresh air anyway, so why not spend those sunny days with every window in the house wide open! This will help eliminate any residual odors you aren’t aware of and it can help keep air flowing while you are using chemical products to deep clean your home.
I know it's a scary time for everyone, but we will get through this. I am always happy to answer any questions and am always free to lend a hand. Please don't hesitate to reach out. It takes a village more than ever to keep us all sane! Stay Safe xoxo