How to Prep Your Home for Sale in 2023

Home sellers that took advantage of the real estate market throughout 2020 to mid-2022 found that selling their home was a very quick process and required very little effort on their part.  Cash buyers were everywhere, and they were desperate...  and in that desperation, some poor decisions were made.  Multiple offers for homes that needed work were the norm, and it was not uncommon to find buyers purchasing remotely, paying thousands of dollars over list price, and waiving their rights to inspections just so they could convince sellers to accept their offers.  So many homes were sold within this time period - and many were bought "blind" and over value.

Fast forward almost a year to 2023 and we've entered a completely different market.  Multiple offers are not the norm anymore and buyers have learned a very hard lesson.  Gone are the days of hundreds of buyers struggling to be first in line for a chance to own one of only a dozen or so available properties on the local market.  As I sit here typing, I can see that there are currently over 600 single-family homes in Davenport for sale on the MLS today.   And that doesn't include condos, townhomes, duplexes, and other types of properties.  This increased competition, coupled with the fact that potential buyers are reluctant to purchase due to increased interest rates and the general knowledge that buyers have been put through the wringer over the last 2-3 years... well, it has now left new sellers needing to take extra steps in making sure their homes are attractive to potential buyers.

So what can you do?  The first step is realizing that buyers are no longer willing to pay over market value in today's inflationary market.  Sellers need to price their home correctly in order to stay ahead of the game, so discussing local market trends and comps with your REALTOR® is vital.  

However, with so much competition, correctly pricing your property for sale is not going to be enough.  The home must also be prepped, and it needs to be visually attractive to prospective buyers.  With that in mind, here are some tips for sellers on how to prep your home for sale and make it as appealing as possible.  

1. Declutter and Depersonalize:  when preparing your home for sale, it's important to declutter and depersonalize as much as possible.  This means removing personal items such as family photos, trophies, and other memorabilia that may distract buyers from seeing themselves in the space.  Decluttering also means removing excess furniture, clothing, and other items that may make your home feel cluttered or cramped.  In Florida, closings can happen in less than a month, so for the sake of expediency, many of these items should already be packed and stored elsewhere before even listing the home for sale.  When buyers walk a home and see a cluttered home that doesn't appear to have had any packing started, it can leave them worried about hurried sellers damaging the property as they rush to pack personal items and move furniture in such a short time-frame.  When buyers walk a home - the less they see, the better.  
2. Deep Clean: a clean home is essential when preparing for sale.  This means deep cleaning every inch of your home, from the baseboards to the ceiling fans and windows.  Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure that every nook and cranny is spotless.
3. Make Repairs: before listing your home, it's important to make any necessary repairs.  This includes fixing leaky faucets, replacing broken light fixtures, and repairing any damage to walls or floors.  If your home has any major issues, such as a leaky roof or foundation problems, it's important to address these before putting your home on the market.  If necessary repairs are not done prior to listing the home for sale, they will come up on the buyer's inspection report.  This may not only cause a delay in closing, but could also potentially provide the buyer with a reason to cancel the contract.
4. Enhance Curb Appeal:  the first impression of your home is the exterior.  Ensure that the lawn is mowed and the landscaping is neat and tidy.  Power wash your home's exterior to remove any dirt and grime, and give your front door a fresh coat of paint.  Add potted plants or flowers to the front porch or entrance for an added touch of warmth.
5. Stage Your Home:  staging your home involves arranging furniture and decor to create an attractive and welcoming space.  This can involve removing excess furniture, adding pops of color with pillows and other accessories, and arranging furniture in a way that maximizes space and flow.
6. Hire a Professional Photographer:  once your home is decluttered, cleaned, repaired, and staged, hire a professional photographer to take high-quality photos of your home.  These photos will be used in online listings and marketing materials and can make a significant impact on potential buyers' first impressions of your home.  If your real estate agent insists on personally taking the photos, then make sure you review those photos before they are allowed on the listing.  Do not allow any agent to list your property for sale with poor quality photos.  

Preparing your home for sale can be a lot of work, but it's esssential for a successful and profitable sale in a competitive real estate market.  By decluttering and depersonalizing, deep cleaning, making repairs, enhancing curb appeal, staging your home, and hiring a professional photographer, you can create an attractive and welcoming space that will appeal to potential buyers and help your home sell quickly and for the best possible price.