The readiness is all, says Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and it’s true. While the Dane prince was never faced with getting a home ready to sell in Bend, Oregon, he sure was onto something about the value of being prepared. Here at Bend Relo, we know that making a home ready for its close-up is a team effort, with a payoff that’s well worth the effort you put into it. But where to begin? The following are six tips on how to make sure your home looks its most appealing to potential buyers.
Declutter!
Yep, it’s time to put everything you learned watching Tidying Up on Netflix to work and Marie Kondo the heck out of your home. Spark joy by clearing away all the bits and bobs, and create a sense of openness and space in which potential buyers can see themselves. This doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your precious stuff—just stow it until your own imminent move.
Do a Deep Clean
Your home will look better, smell better and be all the more irresistible to buyers with a good old-fashioned deep cleaning. The upside to scrubbing your home to the bone is that afterwards, you’ll likely be able to get away with some light dusting and a wipe-down when it’s time for a touch-up.
Get a Pre-Sale Inspection
This one may come as a surprise if you assume that an inspection is solely a tool for the buyer. The advantage of getting a pre-sale inspection is that you can know in advance what fixes need to be addressed, and what can be left alone. It pays to have essentials like these in top condition, before an offer is made:
- Air conditioning unit
- Furnace
- Water heater
- Foundation issues
- Electrical problems
- Roof leaks
A pre-sale inspection can help you understand what tasks require your attention, and how much they’re going to cost, helping you to avoid any unpleasant surprises later on.
But Don’t Over Prepare
That said, don’t do too much or spend more than you have to. If the roof has no leaks, even if it’s got some years on it, don’t be in a rush to replace it. In this seller’s market, it’s probably not necessary to go too big on changes in the bathrooms or the kitchen. Focus on safety.
Choose Your Updates Wisely
There’s nothing wrong, however, with a little facelift here and there. Relatively small gestures can make a striking difference. For example, cabinets and cupboards can get a refresh with the addition of new hardware and drawer pulls. Invest in a stockpile of LED lightbulbs to keep your living spaces bright and cheerful. Increase that curb appeal by keeping the lawn area edged and trimmed, the beds mulched, and the driveway and walkway neatly shoveled if there’s snow.
Partner with a Professional Agent
An experienced agent and real estate team gives you a huge advantage when it’s time to get your Bend area home ready for the sale. Bend Relo will jump in to manage the deep clean, make your home a showstopper with professional staging, and arrange for top quality photographs and video.
You can do it—you can get central Oregon home ready to sell at a great price, and we can help. Reach out to Bend Relo at Fred Real Estate Group for your free home valuation, the first step to preparing for a fast sale.