There is truly no better time to sell your home than in the spring. Warmer weather and long, sunny days filled with fresh flowers give us a much-needed respite from a dreary and cold winter, and home buyers everywhere are on the prowl for their new abode. This is one of the most popular seasons for selling a home, and with so many competing houses for sale in Cambridge, it is important to make sure yours stands out. Below you’ll find the perfect guide for selling your Cambridge home this spring so that you can save your summer for beach outings and way too much ice cream.
Tips for prepping your home for sale
Declutter the home
The truth is that we all have way too many items stuffed away in every part of our home, creating clutter that is not visually appealing for incoming buyers. One of the best ways you can personally prep your home for sale is by getting rid of old, unwanted, or unnecessary items. Tackle this project room by room. Start on the upper levels of the home and make your way down. Sometimes it is easier to start on smaller rooms so the process doesn’t feel overwhelming. Once you have an idea of what you’d like to keep, you can start packing up the rest of your items to prepare for your own move. This goes for every room in the house.
Pay special attention to the living spaces (like the parlor and dining area) and kitchen, as those tend to be the first parts of the home that buyers focus on. Though you may be tempted to store your boxes in these areas, it is worth it to clear your home of this clutter completely. Buyers want to be able to envision themselves in the home, and having your history in full view tends to make it difficult. If your new home is not yet available, consider storing your belongings in a storage unit for the time being.
Pay special attention to the living spaces (like the parlor and dining area) and kitchen, as those tend to be the first parts of the home that buyers focus on. Though you may be tempted to store your boxes in these areas, it is worth it to clear your home of this clutter completely. Buyers want to be able to envision themselves in the home, and having your history in full view tends to make it difficult. If your new home is not yet available, consider storing your belongings in a storage unit for the time being.
Clean the interior and exterior
Having a visibly clean home is hugely attractive for buyers. Hiring a cleaning service is essential before moving on to the staging process. A team of professionals can meticulously detail your home, which will allow you to focus on the more important aspects of the sale.
Carpets should be steam cleaned, hardwood floors should be buffed and polished, and kitchen amenities should be scrubbed spotless. Be sure to tell your cleaning team to spend extra time on the bathrooms, as there is nothing more unappealing than an unkempt shower or toilet. Your house should not only look visibly clean but smell it, too. Add a few candles that aren’t heavily scented, or plant a couple of mild, plug-in oil diffusers in each room.
Carpets should be steam cleaned, hardwood floors should be buffed and polished, and kitchen amenities should be scrubbed spotless. Be sure to tell your cleaning team to spend extra time on the bathrooms, as there is nothing more unappealing than an unkempt shower or toilet. Your house should not only look visibly clean but smell it, too. Add a few candles that aren’t heavily scented, or plant a couple of mild, plug-in oil diffusers in each room.
Repair and replace
To achieve the best possible price for your home and attract potential buyers, it's essential to ensure that it's in pristine condition when listed on the market. Repairing and replacing outdated or damaged features is one of the most crucial steps in preparing your home for sale. Here are some reasons why:
- Ensures a great first impression: Within seconds of entering your home, potential buyers form an impression that can make or break a sale. Outdated or broken features can create a negative image and dissuade buyers from seeing the rest of the property.
- Increases its perceived value: Repairs and replacements boost your home's perceived value. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for a property in excellent condition that requires minimal repairs or updates.
- Helps with negotiations: Buyers are less likely to negotiate for a price reduction based on necessary repairs or replacements when a home is in good condition. This translates to a better price for your home.
Always consult with your real estate agent for the best advice as to what parts of the home should be repaired or updated before a sale. Making unnecessary changes is a costly mistake, especially if you do not check with a professional to see if they are needed in the first place.
Maximize curb appeal
Leveling up the curb appeal is a crucial step in preparing your home for success in the Cambridge real estate market. The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, and it can significantly influence their decision to view the inside of the property. Here are some tips on what you can do to maximize curb appeal when selling a home:
- Clear and declutter: Start by tidying up the outside of your home. Remove any clutter, such as toys, equipment, or gardening tools. Clean the windows, gutters, and siding.
- Paint: A fresh coat of paint can transform the exterior of your home and make it more appealing. Consider painting the front door, shutters, or trim to give old homes that “new-build” look.
- Landscaping: Ensure that your yard is well-maintained and attractive. Trim trees and shrubs, maintain the lawn, and add some colorful flowers or plants to brighten up the space.
- Repairs: Attend to any necessary maintenance on the exterior of your home. Replace any broken or damaged windows, gutters, or siding. Fix any cracks in the driveway or walkway.
- Front porch: The front porch is often the focal point of the home's exterior. Make sure it's clean and welcoming. Add comfortable outdoor furniture and decorative accents, such as a welcome mat or potted plants.
These are just a few examples of what you can do to visually attract the right buyer for your home. Consider what makes the exterior of your house so special and emphasize it! Decorate the front of your house with flowers that complement the color of your home, and take full advantage of cozy, bright outdoor lighting for evening showings.
Stage the home
One of the most significant advantages of staging is that it allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space. By removing your personal belongings from the home, you can create a clean slate for their imagination to run wild. This helps make your home more alluring and increases the chances of a sale, ensuring you attract a wide variety of eager buyers.
When staging your home, it's crucial to select furniture and décor that complements the style of the property and emphasizes its best features. Neutral colors and simple designs are often the most effective, as they create a chic and modern look that appeals to a range of buyers.
Leaving your home full of personal belongings is definitely a common mistake homeowners make when attempting to sell. Personal items and clutter can make it hard for potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the space and create the impression of a smaller and less appealing home.
Unless you are an interior design professional, you should not stage your home yourself. This tends to yield a furniture layout and interior design that mimics your own taste, which negates the purpose of staging. Consulting with a staging team will make things easier in many ways, the most important being that you’ll have an objective group creating a wholly neutral space for interested buyers.
When staging your home, it's crucial to select furniture and décor that complements the style of the property and emphasizes its best features. Neutral colors and simple designs are often the most effective, as they create a chic and modern look that appeals to a range of buyers.
Leaving your home full of personal belongings is definitely a common mistake homeowners make when attempting to sell. Personal items and clutter can make it hard for potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the space and create the impression of a smaller and less appealing home.
Unless you are an interior design professional, you should not stage your home yourself. This tends to yield a furniture layout and interior design that mimics your own taste, which negates the purpose of staging. Consulting with a staging team will make things easier in many ways, the most important being that you’ll have an objective group creating a wholly neutral space for interested buyers.
Finding the best agent for your springtime sale
Teaming up with an expert Cambridge real estate agent who knows the market and understands your needs is by far the best tool you could have when selling your home. Sandrine Deschaux’s real estate expertise can connect you with the best buyer for your home. Don’t hesitate to partner up with Sandrine today for the easiest, highest, quickest sale of your Cambridge home!
