When you decide to sell your home, there are seemingly hundreds of details to think about and plan for, from finding the right Realtor to packing to moving day. One thing some homeowners fail to consider is the fact that some homes stay on the market for months without finding a sale, and usually, it’s due to preventable factors, such as a price point that is too high for the area or lack of curb appeal. Careful consideration and planning can help you sell your home fast, and that includes undertaking projects around the house to make it more appealing to buyers.

In many cases, these projects don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint or some new light fixtures can work wonders. There are plenty of DIY projects you can do -- both inside and out -- that will get you a quick sale for the highest possible amount. Just be sure of what you want to take on and research it to find out whether it can truly be a DIY job or if you need to call in a pro.

Here are a few tips from Windermere Home Finder on how to spruce up your home to get a fast sale.

Get the Right Realtor

Working with a skilled and experienced Realtor can be the difference between a quick sale and a home that lingers on the market for months. They can market your home effectively, get it in front of the widest audience, and answer any questions you have about the process. Working with an experienced real estate professional will give you the best chance of making a fast, painless sale.

Deep Clean

Obviously, your home needs to be clean for open houses and viewings, but tidying up and performing a deep clean are two different things. You’ll want to have the carpets (and possibly the furniture and draperies) steam-cleaned, as shampooing may damage the carpet. Before hiring a carpet cleaner, ask about hidden costs, the length of the job, and if they’re insured.

You’ll also need to scrub tiles, remove any stains from pets, and even wipe down the walls. Dust off ceiling fans and vents and make sure all the windows in the house sparkle. When you’re finished, go outside and walk back in; do you smell any unpleasant odors? If so, you may have overlooked something. Consider hiring a professional if you need assistance. Keep in mind that although prices vary, homeowners usually spend between $25 and $90 an hour per cleaner on maid services, so plan your budget accordingly before gathering estimates.

Don’t neglect the outdoor areas of your property. Your lawn should be mowed, and loose objects, children’s toys, and animal waste should be removed. Also, remove debris from your gutters—this can be a DIY job, but your best (and safest) option is to hire a professional gutter cleaner who will typically charge between $106 and $197 for this service. To learn more about reputable gutter cleaning services in your area and read feedback from prior customers, visit Angi locksmith.

Stage Your Home

Staging your home is an important part of selling. If your house is very large or if you aren’t sure where to start, you can hire a professional to come in and make every room look like a masterpiece. If that isn’t in the budget, however, you can begin with removing one piece of furniture from each room -- which will make it look bigger -- as well as getting rid of clutter, personal items like family photos, and any sign of pets, including food dishes and bedding.
 

Add Curb Appeal

Redfin has some great tips to help you prepare your home for sale. Remember, your home may have a ton of beautiful features on the inside, but if a buyer pulls up and sees overgrown bushes and faded paint on the outside, it’s going to take a while for you to make a sale. Give the front door and shutters a fresh coat of paint, trim the shrubbery, and add colorful flowers or small, neat bushes near the mailbox to add a boost of curb appeal. You can also guarantee your lawn is well-maintained by hiring a lawn care service to keep up with regular mowing.
 

Take Some Professional Photos

If you want to make a fast sale, it’s imperative to get your home online. Have professional listing photos taken to draw in buyers before they’ve even seen it in real life, then have your agent promote it across the internet. A photographer usually charges between $110 and $300 for this service.

Selling a home is a big job, and it can be a lengthy process if you don’t have a good plan. Talk to your realtor and keep communication open so that there are no surprises down the road. Do some research to find out what the median sale price is in your neighborhood so you can set your own price competitively. With a little preparation, you’ll sell your home in no time.

Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, Florida Realty Investments is your best resource!

The article was written by: Alice Robertson of TidyHome.info