If you have sold a home before, then you know that a lot of work goes into getting it ready for the market.  Professional photographs to market your home online and the eventual in person showings mean that your home has to be looking its best.  Not only as a local Locust Grove REALTOR ® who serves Orange County and the surrounding area, but also as a former seller, I know from experience how long it can take to get a home ready for the market. If you are planning on listing your home in Orange for sale, but you’ve got some time before the for sale sign goes in the yard, then here are some things you can tackle.

This list doesn’t really include the most important task for sellers that is deep cleaning and decluttering the house.  Instead I wanted to focus on some smaller actionable items that will help get you moving. (pun intended)

Remove Personal Information from Walls

When it comes to the safety of children in a home, I always like to err on the side of caution.  This means removing any identifying information-names on doors or  awards hanging on walls, from the home.  Remember, photographs of the house are going on the internet for all to see.  Removing these items can also help buyers touring the home visual their belongings in the space.

Clear off Countertops and Tables

There is one part of our kitchen countertop that becomes a catch-all for mail, school papers, and other random items.  This works for my family and I am sure a lot of other families do the same; however, when it comes time to sell your home in Orange, clean and empty countertops are the way to go.  When buyers tour homes, seeing countertops or tables full of items gives the impression that the home is lacking storing space.

Check handles, switches, and lights

Over time door handles can become loose and it often is a minor repair that homeowners put on the back burner.  When getting ready to sell, take a moment to walk through the house and check all the handles on the doors to rooms and closets.  Tighten any light switch covers and make sure that the light bulbs are working in all lights.

Evaluate the Paint

High traffic areas in a home may have scuff marks on the walls.  If you can’t wipe them off, then it is time to consider painting.  Not sure if you need to tackle all of the walls or just some specific areas?  Ask your Locust Grove REALTOR ® for their professional opinion.

Create a Plan for Pets

Before putting your house in Orange on the market is the perfect time to determine what you will do with your pets during showings.  Are you going to wrangle the cats into one room?  Will you take the dogs with you?  What happens if a showing happens during the day when you are at work?  Trying to accommodate your pets needs can be stressful, so putting a little thought into how you are going to manage your furry friends will lessen that stress.

Secure Valuables

While buyers are always accompanied by a REALTOR® during a showing, things can happen.  Before your home hits the market, secure any valuables you have in a not easily accessible area.  Likewise, think about your children’s favorite things.  It may be wise to designate a basket for these items that can be tucked away during showings and pulled out afterwards.

Clean Carpets

Clean carpets can help a room feel fresh and new.  If it has been awhile since you have tackled the carpets and the flooring is still in good condition, then go ahead and borrow a carpet cleaner from a friend or hire some professionals to do the job.  Buyers always appreciate flooring that is in good condition because who really wants to have the first day in a new home involve replacing flooring?

Declutter Closets

This one may be simple for some or more complex for others, but decluttering the closets in your house will help buyers appreciate the storage space your home has to offer.  Before listing your home, go through each closet, decide what to keep, donate, or trash.  Pack up seasonal items- clothes, holiday decorations, family heirlooms- that you won’t be reaching for in the next several months.

Hopefully, completing these smaller tasks will help motivate you to get your home ready for selling. When you are ready, I know a great Locust Grove REALTOR ® who can help! Feel free to contact me!