Do These 3 Things Before You Sell Your Home

Selling a home in today's real estate market requires a strategic approach, especially as the landscape continues to shift and days on the market increase in some areas. We are seeing houses stay on the market longer compared to last year.

In Birmingham, days on the market have increased from 29 days 1 year ago to 37 days today but in Bloomfield days on the market actually dropped a day and is now 29 days. While in 48306 Rochester Hills-Oakland Twp, days on market is now 25 days up 19% from a year ago. There is no doubt the market is shifting and to ensure a successful sale in a timeframe you want, here are the 3 the crucial steps that I recommend to enhance your home's appeal and attract potential buyers.

1. De-cluttering:

In a market where buyers are becoming more discerning, creating a clean and clutter-free environment is essential. Potential buyers want to envision themselves in the space, and a cluttered home can be distracting and overwhelming. Begin by depersonalizing the space, packing away personal items, family photos, and excessive decorations. Consider donating or storing items that are not necessary for day-to-day living. De-cluttering not only makes your home more visually appealing but also gives the impression of more space—a critical factor for many buyers.

Tips for Effective De-cluttering:

• Focus on the kitchen first and remove everything from the countertops.
• Next turn your attention to your home office and then to high-traffic areas such as the living room and bedrooms.
• Remove excess furniture, especially large or dark pieces of furniture, to create an open and spacious feel.
• Organize closets and storage spaces to showcase ample storage potential.

2. Painting

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in revitalizing your home's appearance. Choose neutral, contemporary colors that appeal to a broad range of buyers. Neutral tones create a blank canvas for potential buyers, allowing them to visualize their furnishings and personal style in the space. Additionally, a well-painted home suggests that the property has been well-maintained, instilling confidence in potential buyers.

Tips for Painting Tips:

• Prioritize rooms that buyers key on including the kitchen, the primary suite and the living room or main living area.
• Rooms that are no longer used, such as kids bedrooms, should be addressed. Often these rooms haven’t been recently painted or the color is what your son or daughter picked years ago.
• Address any scuffs, marks, or outdated paint colors.
• Consider consulting with a color specialist and painting professional to ensure a polished and cohesive look throughout the home.

3. Staging

When the market was white hot, we were seeing less staging of homes. Staging is a critical part of our home-selling process The Sold Solution. Our team will not take a home to the market without doing Ready-Set-Sell Staging Consult. Staging is a powerful tool that can transform a house or condo into a welcoming and appealing home. Professional stagers and design professionals understand how to highlight a property's strengths and downplay its weaknesses. They strategically arrange furniture, decor, and accessories to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Staging allows buyers to envision themselves living in the space, fostering an emotional connection that can drive a quicker sale.

Tips on Staging:

• Create a cohesive theme throughout the home for a unified look.
• Focus on highlighting key architectural features and maximizing natural light, especially important in Michigan.
• Remove larger furniture or rearrange to create the feel of more space.
• If necessary, consider accessories for a polished and contemporary feel.
• Focus on key areas of the home and prioritize the kitchen, living areas and the primary suite.
• Remember less is better than more when it comes to stuff.

In a market where days on the market are increasing, taking proactive steps to enhance your home's appeal is crucial. De-cluttering, painting, and staging are three effective strategies that can significantly impact a potential buyer's perception of your house or condo. By investing time and effort into these key areas, you increase the likelihood of a faster and more successful sale in today’s shifting market.

If you are interested in our full checklist of what to do to sell your home, email Jeff Higgins at jeff@higginspartners.com and we will send it to you.