It’s always a great idea to prepare your home before selling it. Putting in the effort to make your home feel warm and welcoming is worth it if you want to sell your home quickly. Make potential buyers feel right at home with these five tips.

1. Stage It to Sell
A decade ago it was mostly upper-end sellers who staged their homes for sale. Now it’s expected of every homeowner to remove distractions such as knickknacks and personal photographs so that buyers can imagine their family living in the home. However, be careful not to overdo the depersonalization. Too much of a minimalist look can be off-putting if the home is left with no sense of anyone living there. Let buyers see all the space that is available while still leaving some of the personal touches that keep things feeling comfortable and snug.

2. Go Squeaky Clean
Before you list, it is a good idea to hire a cleaning service. Have them really scour the place, top to bottom, until it gleams. Evidence suggests that buyers are far more likely to purchase a home that is immaculately clean than one that feels a little shabby around the edges.

3. Give a Warm Reception
When getting ready for buyers, make sure your home isn’t too hot, too cold, or too stuffy. An ambient 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit is best for making your buyers feel comfortable.

4. Create a Pleasant-Smelling Home
Offensive odors are the single biggest turnoff for would-be buyers. Don’t attempt to mask them with air freshener; fix the problem at the source. Air out the house, wash trash cans, and clean upholstery to eliminate pet and smoking smells. When your home is odor-neutral, try introducing pleasant smells that give off a homey aroma. While it might be impractical to bake cookies for every viewer who visits your home, you could light some candles or brew some fresh coffee.

5. Introduce the Neighborhood
Buyers typically want to learn about the neighborhood, so provide information in the listing about nearby schools, transport links, dining, shopping, and recreation areas. Remember, you’re marketing a lifestyle as well as a home, so remember to show off the neighborhood in its best light.

Please contact me if you’re interested in more tips for getting your home ready to sell. I can help you prep to get the best possible price for your home.