There’s lots of work that goes into getting a Birmingham home reading to list for sale. If you’ve ever gone through the process, you know that one of the first steps is meeting with a real estate agent, who will give you a long to-do list that includes things like repairs, improvements, and upgrades.
This can be overwhelming for sellers, as the to-do list usually involves lots of time, money, and work. If you’re listing your home but not able to do everything recommended, here are 4 things that you can do without hiring a professional and that you should always do before selling your Alabama home.
Declutter
Clutter in your home makes it appear smaller than it is, gives buyers the impression that there’s not enough storage, and makes buyers feel less comfortable in the house. This is the opposite of how you want buyers to feel – you want them to feel comfortable, get the impression that there’s plenty of space, and to see themselves living there.
To do this it’s important to remove clutter from counters, tables, and all visible areas. But don’t relocate that clutter to closets or storage areas. Buyers will look at these spaces as well, so you want all storage areas decluttered and well organized. If you’re not able to sell or donate items, consider renting a storage unit to get clutter off the property while the house is on the market.
As you declutter, work to depersonalize the space as much as possible. Again, you want buyers to picture themselves there, so removing family pictures and personal items will make it easier for buyers to see their family just stepping into the property.
Make Small Repairs
While you might not have the money or time to make all major repairs, it’s important to do some small ones that you can do yourself. Lots of little things in need of repair start to concern buyers, who worry that the property is not in good condition or that it will need lots of work.
You can avoid this with a weekend or two of work fixing small repairs like touching up scuff marks, fixing loose handles, patching drywall holes, replacing light bulbs, fixing a leaky faucet, and touching up baseboards. Fixing lots of small issues can have a surprisingly big impact on how buyers view your property.
Consider Curb Appeal
The first thing that buyers will see is your home’s curb appeal, so it’s important to improve this as much as possible. While professional landscaping might not be in the budget, you can still declutter the yard – getting rid of toys, decor, and excess outdoor furniture; mow and edge the lawn; clean up any leaves or debris; and add mulch as needed. If possible, a little bit of DIY landscaping can help to give your home some added curb appeal.
Keep in mind that outdoor living is a priority for most buyers, so you want to do any small things you can to improve your curb appeal and to make the outdoor spaces on your property look inviting.
Deep Clean Everything
Cleaning might seem like a simple item on the list, but you can’t overestimate the importance of making your home spotless for listing pictures and showings. This means deep cleaning everything, including commonly overlooked areas like fans, the insides of cabinets and closets, and baseboards.
As you clean, be aware of any odors in your home, which can be a big turnoff for buyers. It’s important to eliminate the cause of odors and then to deep clean to eliminate the smell. Resist the temptation of masking the smell with candles or air fresheners. Instead, clean carpets, furniture, drapes, appliances, and cabinets to fully remove unwanted smells.
Once you’ve finished deep cleaning your home, we recommend cleaning it one more time. It’s important for it to be shiny and clean for pictures and showings, so the general rule here is clean, and then clean again.
Other Ways to Sell Your Birmingham Home
With these 4 tips, you can help get your home ready for the market without having to spend a lot of money. That said, these DIY items will take a lot of time and energy. If you’re not able to get your home ready for the market or don’t have time to prep it, there are other ways to sell.
Home Buyers Birmingham buys houses as-is, no matter the condition. This means homeowners don’t have to make repairs, declutter, or do any work to get their home sold. Plus, there’s no waiting for your home to sell. Home Buyers Birmingham will make a cash offer within 24 hours of seeing your home and can close in as few as 7 days after that.
Call Home Buyers Birmingham today at (205) 687-0604 to get your cash offer and to learn more about the easiest and fastest way to sell your home.
Home Buyers Birmingham
1821 11th Avenue South Suite #55331
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
