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HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME TO SELL
The days of simply putting a sign in the yard and expecting multiple offers above asking price have faded. Preparing your home for sale involves a combination of smart improvements and strategic planning.
Accurate pricing is paramount. Overpricing a home will be a significant misstep in the 2025-26 market. Sellers will need to work closely with real estate professionals to price their homes competitively based on current market conditions.
Here’ s a breakdown of steps for preparing to sell your home, based on expert advice.
1. Home Assessment and Repairs
• Pre-sale inspection: Consider a pre-sale home inspection to identify potential issues and address them proactively.
• Consider major system replacements: Evaluate the condition of your roof or HVAC system if they are nearing the end of their lifespan; addressing them now can prevent issues during the sale process.
2. Strategic Updates and Improvements
• Focus on kitchen and bathrooms: Updates in these areas often provide the highest return on investment. Consider smaller impactful changes first, such as painting cabinets or replacing fixtures.
• Cosmetic upgrades: Small, visually appealing changes like updating hardware and repainting can make a big difference. Choose neutral colors to appeal to a wider range of buyers.
• Boost curb appeal: First impressions matter. Enhance your home’ s exterior with landscaping, a fresh coat of paint, or a welcoming entryway.
3. Declutter and Depersonalize
• Create a blank canvas: Remove personal items like family photos and collections to help buyers envision themselves living in the home.
• Minimize clutter: Organize and store belongings to make spaces appear larger and more open.
4. Deep-Clean and Stage
• Thorough cleaning: Deep-clean your home, paying attention to key areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Staging: Stage your home to highlight its best features and create an inviting atmosphere.
Focus on affordability and value. With mortgage rates expected to remain
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