Now is the perfect time to get your house ready to sell. Even if it’s not yet on the market, you’ll want to take some crucial steps to ensure potential buyers fall in love with it as soon as they see it. First impressions go a long way to convincing buyers that your home is the perfect place for them.

To help buyers imagine themselves living and thriving in your home, you may need to spend some time tidying and repairing both the inside and out. Having an end goal can help inspire you to work on those projects you’ve put off or haven’t yet been able to address. Here are five things you can do that will help your home’s listing stand out in a busy real estate market.

Freshen Up Your Entrance-way

Renovations such as updating your porch by removing old awnings from doors and windows, or replacing front steps, can make your entrance-way more inviting. If you don’t have a porch, giving your front door a fresh coat of paint will do the trick. If you aren’t comfortable with tools or don’t have the time or expertise to renovate your home yourself, hire a professional so the renovations look high-quality. These professionals should be able to provide a prioritized list of projects with a budget for each.

Declutter Your Belongings

Decluttering your home can be a big project, but is an essential step to getting your home ready to sell. When potential buyers can imagine their belongings in your space, it moves them one step closer to making an offer. Decluttering may involve purging some of your belongings, which will make your eventual move that much easier.

Paint Using Neutrals and Whites

Once your renovations and decluttering are complete, it’s time to freshen up your walls and trim. Neutral paint colours will make your home appear brighter, bigger, and more welcoming. Fresh paint will also help cover any imperfections and present a blank canvas to potential buyers so they can picture their own belongings in the space.

Give Your Home A Deep Clean

The effect of first impressions really can’t be overstated. Don’t let bad odours, dusty surfaces, or dirty floors create the potential for a negative one with prospective buyers. Your pre-listing deep clean should include dusting surfaces, scrubbing bathrooms, cleaning windows, having your rugs cleaned, and mopping floors. Hiring a professional service could be an excellent investment, saving you time and producing that sought-after shine that will impress possible buyers.

Freshen Up Outdoor Areas

To heighten your home’s curb appeal, it’s important to spend some time tidying up the yard and garden and maybe even landscaping your outdoor spaces. Landscaping decisions can be your domain, or you can get a professional opinion. You might ask the following questions to help keep the work focused:

• Which shrubs and plants will look great all year round?
• Do I need to place bushes and tall plants to hide exterior meters and air conditioners?
• Should I add exterior lighting for a welcoming look?
• Do my patio stones need replacing or just tending to?

Planting some flowering plants now will add colour and vibrancy to your outdoor spaces and can contribute to potential buyers feeling optimistic about your home. As listings progress, you’ll want to continue to stay on top of clutter, dust, and any outdoor yard debris that might collect. Getting your home ready to sell can be a full-time job, but the pay-offs usually far outweigh the temporary inconveniences.

If you’re planning to sell your home, get in touch with a reputable real estate agent today.