The information below has been brought to you by EFynch.com. We are a non-biased community for homeowners and freelance handymen based in Baltimore, Maryland.
Baltimore, MD- For most, a home is the largest asset we have. Yet, I am often shocked by the amount of effort some place in preparing for their homes for hitting the market. Unfortunately, many spend as much time planning for this as they would a weekend camping trip, but we know you are better than that- which is why we put our list of top 10 things to do below.
In speaking with over 100 local real estate agents, here is the advice we can give:
1. Fix what is broken.
Generally speaking, small items might be overlooked but they sit in the back of a buyers mind and can make a difference in the aggressiveness they pursue your home. It is very easy to DIY or hire a handyman for a few hours to
fix the little items.
2. De-clutter
Rule of thumb- 99% of your "available" wall space should be open. 90% of your floor space should be open. Shown above is an example of
clutter. Loose one of the shelves, the knick-knacks, etc. You don't have to throw the stuff away, just get a storage unit (store it off site, not in a closet).
3. Clean... DEEP CLEAN.
We're talking about more than a mop and broom-
DEEP CLEAN. Look at your light fixtures, the top of your refrigerator, BEHIND the toilet, air return vents, windows, etc. Everyone knows to have clean floors but sometimes the places you don't think about often are the places that can leave a bad impression (or hold bad scents).
4. Remove Personal items
Okay, maybe the dog in this picture is funny and may help- but were talking about the wall of pictures from your childhood or the 60"
life size portrait of your Aunt Tilly who bequeathed you the money that is the reason for your upcoming move. Some pictures are okay, but very few. Look at a catalogue and see examples of how character is added to a room without over-personalizing it.
5. Upgrade Lighting
Any hardware store has a gaggle of options and the "can light" that a builder put on to keep costs low is "okay" but, not impressive. You won't be able to take a
light fixture with you but trust us, $100 spent here will certainly pay for itself come negotiation time. It impresses.
6. Recognize Pet Issues
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| Yes, this is a picture repeat! |
Stains, smells, fur, and the like. We LOVE dogs and cats but some people don't. Take a moment to sniff around your home and recognize, then
remove foul odors and stains. If you have to- shampoo carpets and furniture. Also minimize the amount of toys laying around and NEVER leave a food bowl sitting out during a tour.
7. Refresh Paint
This is such a simple way to "refresh" a room. Use
neutral colors (grey is the new beige) and remove any loud or bright walls coverings. We are hardwired to associate the new paint smell with "something new". Please, please, do this.
8. Curb Appeal
This is the year you will plant flowers. Make sure to clean the mulch beds, stairways leading to basements, and under the deck.
Mailboxes are also an easy upgrade to help your home stand out. A new post is under $30 at the hardware store and a few flowers can literally add the curb appeal you need.
9. Add a touch of Tech
Your "Old House" is going to be someone's "New House".
Smart thermostats and other tech products are easily installed and can be purchased between $100 and $200. Chances are, your home buyer is up-sizing and you want to make small impressions to say your house is "the house".
10. Remove Trash
The going rate in the Baltimore/ Annapolis/ D.C. area for a
pickup truck load of hauling debirs ranges from $80 to $180. Spend a Saturday cleaning under your deck and in the back corners of your garage, attic, and closets. This is not about de-cluttering as much as it is getting rid of the 1980's turtle-sand-pit that your (now) college age son or daughter used to play with*.
Closing:
Remember, putting your home on the market is a competition. Because your home is the largest asset, you want to put your best foot forward. This will help you obtain the highest price and shortest listing time. The less problems you have, the less ammo someone has to negotiate against you and the less items that might have to be addressed after a home inspection. Remember, all financed homes require an inspection and THEY WILL CATCH everything. It is much better to fix now then have to do it in a rush a week before a scheduled settlement.
If you need help with any of the items below, reach out to
EFynch.com. Although we do not complete any of the physical work listed above, we are a platform community and can help you find the right pro to complete the job. EFynch is free to use and has saved some homeowners over 40% on labor costs when it relates to home improvement or hiring a handyman.
The information contained above is for conversation purposes only and we recommend you speak with your local municipality or a licensed and qualified professional prior to doing any work yourself or hiring someone to do work. See our
Terms and Conditions but never hesitate to reach out to us with questions:)
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*- It's hard, I know. I have 3 kids under the age of 6 and I may have shed a little tear when I wrote that last sentence and though about them getting older. Sorry if it sounded mean.
