Before listing your home on the market, there are several essential things you will want to do to ensure you sell quickly and for top dollar. Selling your home is a huge decision and should not be taken lightly. Preparing your home may seem like an extensive to-do list, but with the proper guidance and organization, your home will be ready to sell in no time. Follow these expert tips to make your home for sale in Indianapolis stand out on the real estate scene.
Shop around for an expert agent
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Of course, not all real estate agents are the same. They have different experiences, specialties, certifications, and personalities that may or may not mesh with your style, needs, and goals. For this reason, you do not have to settle with the first Indianapolis real estate agent you meet. Take your time to shop for an agent with expertise in your local market and a proven track record of success in selling homes.
You will also want to work with an agent that embraces technology and has a vast network of professional connections within the field. An agent that is actively looking at comparable listings, creating a solid marketing strategy, and networking with potential buyers will be able to give you more insight into the selling process and make the process overall more straightforward and streamlined.
Less is best
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With selling in mind, you want to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for your prospective buyers to feel invited and engaged. You definitely don’t want the space to feel overwhelming, too cluttered, or abrasive. This can be difficult if you have a lot of personal belongings everywhere, so it is imperative that you depersonalize the space before anyone tours your home.
Consider taking family photos down from the walls, removing or replacing excess furniture, and storing away any personal or distracting items that might make it difficult for potential buyers to see the home as their own. You want to create a space that lets buyers envision the life they want to live rather than being reminded that the home currently belongs to someone else.
Also, be sure to clean out your closets because buyers will take a peek inside! Sellers often forget about closets and cabinets, but storage spaces are key selling points for buyers. You want to make any storage space seem like there is room for more. Remove hanging clothes from the closet to make it appear more spacious. Rent a storage unit instead of storing extra items in closets or the garage.
Also, eliminate multiple pans and cooking items from the kitchen for more space. Clear small appliances off the countertops to let buyers envision your kitchen as a culinary oasis, free of clutter.
Make it shine
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Lighting is key. Quality lighting is essential, as it can make the home seem more spacious, bright, and inviting. Natural light is always best, so be sure to open the curtains and blinds during showings. If a room does not have a lot of natural light, you can use elegant, modern lamps to brighten up the space. Light is often associated with a cheery home, which is a vital vibe to convey from every room. Be sure to check the bushes along the outside of the windows to ensure they are trimmed to let in as much light as possible.
It is always showtime
When your home is on the market, you must be ready for a tour at any moment. Keeping your house ready to show can seem like a lot of work, but with simple organization and planning, you can be show-ready every day. This is essential to hosting those last-minute tours that bring in more potential buyers. Keep your home in tip-top shape by:
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Cleaning a room every day
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Tidying up the house every night
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Keeping decorative bins on hand to hide clutter
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Using a staging service to showcase your home's best features
Remind yourself of your selling goals to stay motivated and prepared. While keeping your home in perfect order all the time can be somewhat of a nuisance, it is well worth the effort and can have a significant return.
First impressions last
Photo courtesy of Cara Conde
The first impression of your home is often the only impression buyers have while viewing your home. Even if the inside of your home is spectacular all around, the outside appearance will leave a lasting mark in their minds.
Upgrading your home’s curb appeal is vital to make an excellent first impression. You want to “wow” buyers from the moment they see your home from the street. You do not have to spend a lot of money on upgrading the exterior of your home, either, as there are some straightforward and inexpensive ways to make it look more appealing:
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Freshening up the paint on the front door
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Adding bright, potted plants on the porch
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Freshly mowing the lawn
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Replacing the house numbers
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Getting a new, sturdy mailbox
Make it personal
You can help buyers feel more connected and comfortable in your home by sharing insider information about the neighborhood and community. Share with buyers where the best coffee shop is, or tell them tales from your favorite community events. Personalized details can go a long way and can stick with buyers as they make decisions. After all, buyers are not just buying a home—they are committing to the neighborhood and the local community. Help them understand the community, so they can feel confident that it will fit their needs and lifestyle.
Selling your property can be emotional because of the special memories you have in the home and neighborhood. Cherish those memories and allow another individual or family to see how unique your home can be for them. All of this can be accomplished with the help of your professional real estate agent. They are experts at creating advertising and marketing strategies that speak to buyers and sell homes.
When you’re ready to reach success, Cara Conde is the expert Indianapolis real estate agent you want on your side. Specializing in luxury home marketing, Cara has more than two decades of experience in the real estate industry and has a versatile background as an investor and designer. Cara is an expert in local markets like Indianapolis, Zionsville, Carmel, Geist, and surrounding areas. Contact Cara to get started on your stress-free selling experience.
*Header photo courtesy of Cara Conde
