For aging loved ones, deciding to sell the home they’ve lived in for many years that likely holds many memories can be overwhelming and stressful for all involved. Whether your parent is making a move to a senior living community, has chosen to move into your home, or is ready to downsize, the process of preparing a home to hit the market can be a daunting task.
However, if your loved one has been considering selling their home but is hesitant, consider striking while the iron is hot. The current shortage of houses on the market is driving the prices of homes up all across the country. It’s a seller’s market, and homes are selling in record time. Before listing your loved one’s house with a realtor, consider these tips to get it prepared and increase your chances of selling it quickly at a desirable price:
Declutter
While knick-knacks and family mementos are what make a house a home, too much clutter may turn off potential buyers. Plus, having too much stuff in the house will make packing more difficult and time-consuming. Before putting your loved one’s home on the market, help them pack up personal items and sort through things that need to be donated, thrown out, or passed on to other family members. Consider renting a small storage unit for possessions that need to move with your loved one but should be removed from the home during the selling process.
Update the Interior
You don’t necessarily have to make huge improvements or renovations to the interior of a home to make it attractive to buyers. Often, a simple “facelift” is all that is needed. First and foremost, make sure the home is clean and tidy, suggesting to buyers that the house is cared for and well-loved. Consider repainting the walls and baseboards in neutral colors, having carpets cleaned, cleaning out closets, and adding lamps to rooms that don’t receive enough natural light.
Spruce Up the Curb Appeal
A home may be beautiful on the inside, but a potential buyer may steer clear if the outside is messy. In the real estate world, the power of curb appeal is quite strong. Experts suggest that a well-landscaped home can go for 5-13% higher than one with no landscaping, and 99% of realtors believe that curb appeal is essential in attracting buyers. Consider the exterior of your loved one’s home and make updates like adding shrubs or flowers, painting the front door, pressure washing the exterior, or updating outdoor light fixtures.
Make Repairs
Taking care of a home is a lot of work, and sometimes small tasks and repairs get overlooked. Before listing your loved one’s home, it’s a good idea to make a list of any repairs that need to be made and complete them one by one. If no one in the family is handy, consider hiring a handyperson to help complete the jobs.
Preparing your loved one’s home to sell will undoubtedly pose some challenges and stir up emotions. Still, we’re confident that, with some planning and preparation, the experience will be rewarding for you and your family members.