Although Austin, Texas was a strong seller’s market for many years, it has recently become a buyer’s market. So, what does this mean for those who want to sell a house in this current market? It means that the buyers will have more leverage.
Therefore, you must do more to make your home appealing since they have the advantage. Here are some ways to prep your house for sale to attract buyers, especially if you need to sell your house fast in Austin, TX.
1. Give Your Curb Appeal a Boost
Start prepping your house by giving your curb appeal a much-needed boost. Make sure your lawn is perfectly manicured. Spread some fresh mulch. Trim and prune your bushes and trees. Besides tidying up lawn care, make sure your home’s exterior looks its best.
Consider hiring a pressure washing company to clean your home’s siding, driveway, patio, and other hard surfaces. If the budget for cleaning is limited, consider hiring pressure washing equipment. Nowadays, pressure washer rental companies like Hotsy of Houston are available, you can surely find one anywhere you are.
If the exterior of your house needs paint, hire a professional to paint it. The goal is for you to make your exterior look enticing so buyers will want to go inside and look around.
2. Clean, Declutter, and Depersonalize Your Space
After tackling the outside of your home, make sure you thoroughly clean, declutter, and depersonalize the inside. Remove excess furniture and decor from your home and place it off-site until you sell your home. Avoid displaying anything like photos, trophies, and other personal paraphernalia.
Remember, the goal is to allow buyers to see the house is theirs. Therefore, you don’t want to put too many personal touches on it. Instead, try to decorate your home neutrally so that homeowners can see it as their own.
Source: marksiwiec.com
3. Hire a Professional Stager
Once you clean and eliminate the excess, hiring a professional staging company in Austin is a good idea. Such real estate professionals know how to make a house look appealing to attract potential buyers. They will use your furniture to help stage your home. They may even incorporate some additional pieces of furniture and art.
4. Take Professional Photos
Once you have your home staged, getting professional photos from a reputable real estate photographer is a good idea. Images make all the difference in your online listing. So invest good money in hiring the best photographer you can find. Also, try to hire a photographer to capture 3D footage or video of your home. The more ways to display your home visually online, the better.
5. View Your Home Like a Home Inspector
A home inspector will view a home beyond the surface. Instead of observing the house for its decor, they will look at the home’s functional value and determine if there are problems that could cause delays in closing.
They will check for major issues with the structure, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and more. If your HVAC system needs maintenance and repair, it is a good idea to go ahead and get it done so you have greater chances of a smooth closing.
6. Minimize Odors
The sense of smell is often underrated but it plays a critical role when showcasing a home. A pleasant-smelling home can create a positive first impression and instantly attract buyers. Identify potential odors such as pet smells, cooking odors, or stale air and tackle them.
Improve ventilation by opening windows and using air purifiers. Deep clean carpets, upholstery, and curtains to remove stubborn odors. Introduce pleasant, natural scents using fresh flowers, essential oils, or baking soda. Remember, a fresh-smelling home is an inviting home.
Source: realtor.com
7. Update Lighting
The right lighting can dramatically enhance your home’s appeal. It brightens up spaces, creates an inviting ambiance, and even makes rooms appear larger. Assess your current lighting fixtures and replace outdated ones with modern, energy-efficient options.
Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Highlight key areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and living room. If possible, consider smart lighting solutions that offer customizable settings and energy-saving features.
8. Neutralize Colors
While you may love your bright orange kitchen, it might not appeal to everyone. When selling your home, neutral colors are your best friend. They create a blank canvas, allowing buyers to envision their style and furniture in your space. Consider painting rooms in whites, beiges, grays, or greiges.
These colors not only help maximize natural light but also make spaces appear larger and more welcoming.
9. Highlight Key Features
Every home has its unique selling points. It could be a cozy fireplace, a sunny patio, a gourmet kitchen, or a spa-like bathroom. Identify these features and make sure they stand out. Use strategic placement of furniture, lighting, and decor to draw attention. Remember, your home’s unique features can set it apart from the competition and attract buyers who value these elements.
10. Market and Price Strategically
Once your home is ready for showing, it’s time to think about marketing and pricing. Working with a real estate agent familiar with the Austin market can be incredibly beneficial. They can guide you in setting a competitive price and crafting a compelling listing.
Utilize online platforms to reach a wide audience. Invest in professional photography to showcase your home in the best light. Also, don’t underestimate the power of open houses and showings. They can create a buzz and help attract serious buyers.
Source: fortune.com
11. Remove Excess Items
Look at your closets, cabinets, and storage areas with a critical eye. Remove seasonal clothing, unused appliances, or personal belongings that are not currently in use. It’s not just about tidiness; a well-organized storage area can demonstrate the care you’ve put into maintaining your home.
12. Maximize Shelf and Drawer Space
Use storage solutions such as organizers, bins, and shelves to maximize the available space and showcase functionality. Remember, potential buyers will be interested in how they can best utilize the storage space. A well-planned storage area can give them ideas and inspiration.
13. Arrange Items Neatly
Once you’ve decluttered and maximized the storage space, make sure you arrange the remaining items neatly. This will not only impress buyers but also allow them to focus on the amount of storage space rather than the items within it.
14. Create a Sense of Ample Storage
One powerful trick to making your storage spaces seem larger is to leave some empty space. This creates an impression of abundant storage and allows potential buyers to visualize their items fitting in easily.
Source: kerishull.com
Conclusion
Since Austin has switched to a buyer’s market, this could make the market more challenging for sellers. So doing all you can to ensure that your home looks its best will be the best way to attract a substantial pool of buyers. These tips will put you on the path to selling your home as quickly as possible in the Austin market.
