Moving is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit daunting to put your current home up on the market. Not only do you have to consider all the real estate variables—like setting the right asking price and getting the listing up on real estate websites—but you’ll likely need to do some small work around the house to get it physically ready to show in open houses and pictures. Here are some simple tips for getting your house ready to sell in Omaha.
Make Sure Your House Is Clean
First impressions are important when selling a house, and nothing can ruin a first impression like messy rooms, unsightly stains, or an off-putting odor. The easiest thing you can do to get your house ready for sale is to clean it from top to bottom before having any open houses to ensure it looks its best. A lot of the cleaning can easily be done by yourself, but tougher issues may need the help of an Omaha area cleaning professional.
For instance, consider getting your carpets cleaned by a professional. At Sharp Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning, we can get your carpets looking new again for your open house. Our carpet cleaning services are designed to remove tough stains and remove odors. If you have pets, we also provide professional pet odor and stain removal right here in Omaha designed to clean and neutralize odors caused by pet urine and feces.
Tile and grout can be difficult to clean on your own as well. Sharp Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning specializes in cleaning tile flooring and grout if you need deep cleaning in your kitchen or bathroom to remove several years’ worth of dirt buildup.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
One of the easiest ways to transform a room is to apply a fresh coat of paint. When you’re putting a house on the market, advice commonly includes painting neutral colors throughout your home because they’re more appealing. Even if your walls are already neutral colors, consider touching up the paint in well-worn areas like hallways and children’s rooms. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way toward improving the look of each room.
Work on Curb Appeal
Enhance the curb appeal of your house with some simple improvements. Major renovations or projects aren’t necessary when improving the exterior of your Omaha home or your lawn. Consider touching up the exterior paint, possibly even going with a new trim color, or adding shutters to your windows. Painting your front door an accent color is another great option.
Simply laying down fresh mulch and removing any unnecessary growth, such as unsightly bushes or weeds, can make a big difference to the look of your yard without requiring a lot of work. Consider planting some new flowers along the walkway and front of the house to make it even more inviting.
Make Small Upgrades
You don’t have to worry if you don’t have the time or budget to completely renovate the kitchen before you sell your house. While large improvement projects are certainly an option, they aren’t always necessary or even beneficial. Simple cosmetic upgrades like new door handles or kitchen hardware can go a long way in improving the look and feel of your home. Update anything that’s outdated, including lighting fixtures. This is also a great time to fix small issues around the house like leaky faucets or squeaky doors. These are simple fixes that make a significant difference to someone viewing your house.
Stage Your Home
The more personal stuff in your home, the harder it can be for potential buyers to imagine themselves living there. A lot of sellers tend to stage their homes for selling. If you’re selling your home while you still live there, this staging can easily be done by yourself. Start by taking at least a third of your belongings out of the house, including family photos, memorabilia, and even some furniture to make it simpler and appealing to buyers.
Large, bulky pieces of furniture can make a room appear smaller than it is, so clear out some of your less necessary furniture. Improve lighting by using new bulbs and removing drapes to complete the transformation and make every space appear as large as possible. Another simple trick is to empty out half of the belongings in your closets and organize them so that they don’t look overcrowded.