How to Tidy up a House or Condo Unit for Resale

When you’re thinking of selling your home, it’s important to make the most of any improvements that have been made. While this may seem like a daunting task, there are several ways you can take advantage of these improvements for resale and turn them into money in your pocket. 

As a seller yourself you need to see the bigger picture and try to visualize your home through the eyes of your buyers.  Figuring out what your home needs to look like and feel like is the first step in making it sellable. Before you start cleaning, try to imagine what a buyer would see when they walk into your house. What does their first impression of your home tell them about how well-cared for it is?

Take a look at this easy yet effective steps on how to tidy up a house or condo unit for resale:

PREPARE THE HOME FOR VIEWING

Clean the house from top to bottom, removing personal items from rooms and furniture if possible, and covering it with sheets if not. If you have pets, make sure they are out of the house as well--it's best not to let them smell their own scent on your belongings!

• Make sure all windows are clean and curtains are open (if applicable). This will help prevent sunlight from attracting bugs or dirt into your living space during this crucial time when potential buyers are looking at everything in their homes!
• Check lights throughout every room in case they aren't working properly; replace any bulbs that need replacing; check outlets for loose connections; turn off appliances if necessary--and remember: never leave anyone inside without checking all electrical outlets first before turning anything back on!

                                  

DECLUTTER

Remove any unnecessary items and donate or dispose of them. You don't want to clutter the space by having too much stuff in it, but there's no need to remove all of your decorating elements if they make your home feel cozy and warm--in fact, some people enjoy having small collections of things around their homes. Just remember that every piece should serve its purpose as well as look good!

• Increased Appeal: A decluttered space looks clean, spacious and well-maintained, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
• Enhanced Showcasing: When a house is decluttered, it highlights its features and allows potential buyers to envision their belongings in the space.
• Improved Home Value: A decluttered home can appear larger and more valuable, potentially leading to a higher asking price and a quicker sale.

             

DEEP CLEAN

Thoroughly clean every room, including windows, floors, and bathrooms. Change outdated floor tiles, countertops, faucets and light fixtures in the bathroom. Deep cleaning a house or condo unit before a sale can help make it more appealing to potential buyers, create a positive first impression, and potentially increase its value, making it a worthwhile investment.

• Repair and maintain: Fix any damages or wear and tear, such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and peeling paint.
• Take note of how your property smells. To keep your unit or home smelling fresh and clean, ensure it is free of unpleasant odors. However, you shouldn't overdo it when using air fresheners or other fragrant products because you need to consider the client's health when visiting  and the environment. 

                       

STAGE THE INTERIOR

Staging helps potential buyers see how they could live in the space, making it easier for them to imagine themselves in the home. Remember, the goal is to present your home in the best possible light, making it appealing to potential buyers and helping to sell it quickly.

• Arrange furniture in a way that makes the space appear larger and more inviting.
• Freshen up with paint: A fresh coat of paint can make a big difference and neutral colors are best for appealing to a wider range of potential buyers.
• Improve curb appeal: Mow the lawn, plant flowers, and tidy up the exterior to make a great first impression.

                           

AVOID CUSTOMIZING YOUR PROPERTY TO YOUR LIKING

As the unit or home's owner, we often add our own touches to the property since, if it doesn't suit our tastes, we often find it bothersome and feel that it is too plain or monotonous. Remember, though, that you are reselling it and not reusing the property, so you need to make it as plain as possible so that your client will know what to adjust for their subsequent use.

• Remove all of your personalization and allow the future owner to do it.
• As little as possible, avoid leaving any personal belongings on the premises. Do not paint it in your favorite color; instead, paint it in plain or neutral colors.

                             
 

PRICE IT RIGHT

Set a fair market price based on comparable sales and condition of the property.

• Browse the internet for information on determining a price for your property, or ask a reliable realtor to help you with the process.
• A high price indicates that the property is in good shape. If you want to sell your property on the market for a high price, ensure it is attractive, in good shape, and has minimal to no damage.
• Avoid overpricing and underpricing. When you overprice your property, it may take some time to sell it to your target clients, and when you underprice, you're essentially wasting the potential and quality of your property. Underpricing could prevent you from getting a high return on your investment while overpricing might intimidate your clients and cause them to consider your competitor.
• Make a comparison and contrast. Every seller must compare and contrast the pricing of their competitors' listings to obtain an advantage in correctly pricing their own. Make sure you'll take into account the dimensions of your property, its condition, your offers, your location, and the property's accessibility to the establishments that your competitors don't provide.

                             

TAKE GOOD PICTURES

Always remember to take pictures after cleaning, clearing, depersonalizing, and staging your condo unit or house so that you may showcase it to potential buyers virtually and entice them to visit it in person.

• Don’t just take pictures: Acquire the ideal lighting and angle for each photo you shoot. Remember that you'll publish it online, and plenty of people will view it; your images must impress the clients.
• Keep your photo modification to a minimum. Clients may have very high expectations of your property if you overedit. To prevent disappointing them when they conduct an on-site visit, make sure it is simply a "what you see is what you'll receive" remark.

                               

After following the guidelines and suggestions above, you are now ready to publish your property online! You can share it on various social media platforms and websites that provide free listings. You can also connect with Signet Properties to advertise your active listing on its website, as it offers free and unlimited listings for real estate agents, brokers, and property owners nationwide. With this, you can quickly generate leads, connect with potential customers, and sell your property in no time.

In your selling journey you’re not alone. We specialize in marketing real estate properties for sellers, agents or brokers and property owners. Contact us today to discuss your marketing needs, and we'll be happy to provide you with the most efficient solution for your property.