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Declutter using your garage as storage
Though not the most glamorous task, decluttering speeds up your home sale like no other. HomeLight research reveals that a decluttered and staged home can help sell your home up to four weeks faster.
When decluttering, remember that buyers want to envision the rooms with their belongings in them, not yours, so the more you remove, the better. Stage key pieces of furniture to showcase the room and leave the rest up to the imagination. Not sure what else to do? Here are some tips:
- Clear all personal items off desks and countertops to avoid distractions
- Hide away any unnecessary furniture or miscellaneous items in each room to create space
- Pack up any visible items you won’t need this month
- Clean counters and furniture to get rid of any dust or mess
- Make sure all hallways and walking areas are clear
You don’t need to break the bank
Skip the storage unit and pack out your garage instead.
“I always tell sellers that your garage can be packed to the gills with boxes. It can be stacked to the roof with boxes. It does not make you a penny more or a penny less,” Hudson shares.
A spotless home with moving boxes in the garage signals to buyers that you’re ready to move as soon as a deal closes. If you run out of space in the garage, boxes in the basement, attic, closets, or temporary storage shed work well too.
Stage a home office (or two)
Home shoppers today and in the future are looking for a dedicated home office — and in some cases, multiple spaces that could be used for a home office. If you have a home office already, clean it up for photos and make sure it photographs nicely.
Otherwise, pick a bedroom or possibly a basement area to stage as the perfect spot to take Zoom calls, work on spreadsheets, or write the next great American novel. If you’re short on time and money, staging a desk, chair, and computer sitting on top of the surface may suffice to show buyers how the space could be used.
Play up outdoor spaces
A HomeLight agent survey shows that improving the landscaping and curb appeal is one of the home preparations with the highest return on investment. An inviting backyard patio with string lights could be the magic touch a buyer needs to stop and view your listing.
If you have a pool, mention it prominently in your property description and include photographs of it at one or more angles, whatever your real estate agent recommends. Dress up the front porch with Adirondack chairs and a few colorful throw pillows, or add a seating area to your deck to help buyers imagine a beautiful evening enjoyed outdoors.
While you prep, mark your house as ‘Coming Soon’
One simple way to generate more interest in your property is to build anticipation. Posting your home as “coming soon” not only gives buyers a sneak peek into your house but also gives you a leg up against others hitting the MLS at the same time. After all, the earlier you showcase your property, the earlier you can attract potential buyers.
Marking your home as “coming soon” is precisely as it sounds. Your agent will list your home with photos and basic details to generate interest in the property. However, no showings or open houses are allowed until the property officially hits the market.
Clark says a “coming soon” label is part of an aggressive marketing strategy. Connect with your real estate agent to get professional photos taken of your home and create a strong online listing. The goal is to get more eyes on your property so you can already have a head start when the active listing goes live.
“You really want to funnel as much energy and good vibes and interest into the property as you can,” Clark says.
