Author: Seth Murphy Selling your Queens New York home is a big step and can be a major life change, especially if you have children or are downsizing due to retirement or health concerns. When you’re ready to put your Queens home on the market, there are so many things to think about and plan for, including holding an open house. It can become overwhelming if you aren’t prepared.
The key is to communicate with your real estate agent to make sure you’re knowledgeable about what buyers want. Trends change all the time, and depending on where you live, potential buyers may be looking for something very different than in other parts of the country. Knowing how to cater to these buyers will help your home stand out and get sold quickly, meaning you can get into your new home without any problems. Here are a few tips on how to make your open house go smoothly for a fast sale. Clean, clean, clean Of course you already know that your home will need to be clean and neat before buyers walk through, but there may be things you haven’t thought about, such as cleaning the curtains or furniture to get rid of odors and dust. Make a list of all the areas in your home that need attention and delegate responsibilities to different family members so that all the work doesn’t fall on you. Get rid of any sign of pets Pets can be a deal breaker for many potential buyers, as they may be unsure about moving into a home where there is potential damage or difficult-to-remove stains. If your house is in good shape but there are signs of pets, it can still be a difficult sell, so remove any toys, food dishes, bedding, and other telltale signs of an animal. Consider asking a friend to take care of your pet while the house is on the market. Stage it There are several levels to staging a home. It’s not only about cleaning and making things neat; it’s also about making sure your house looks inviting and allows potential buyers to see themselves living there. That means removing personal items, such as photographs of your family, and making the decor as neutral as possible. Removing a few pieces of furniture will help make the rooms look bigger and will allow buyers to envision their own belongings there. If you’re unsure of where to start, consider hiring a professional home stager. According to ImproveNet, most homeowners spend between $433 and $909 nationally, but it will be worth it if you’ve had trouble selling your home as is. Pack up items you don’t need If you haven’t started packing yet, now is the time. Go through the garage and pack up tools and seasonal items; anything that you won’t miss between now and the move can be put into storage. This will help buyers see the spaces in your home more clearly. Spruce up the yard Making your home as inviting as possible to a potential buyer also means thinking about the exterior. A fresh coat of paint on the front door, some colorful flowers, and a new light fixture can really add curb appeal and make your home stand out. It’s also important to think about the backyard, especially if you have a pet who likes to dig or if you have a swimming pool that needs fixing up. Making the most of your outdoor space can help any buyer see your home’s potential. Preparing for an open house can be a lot of work, so you’ll need to start with a good plan to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Talk to your family members about how they can help and make a list of all the tasks you need to accomplish to stay organized. |