Introduction
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When considering upsizing your Florida home selling your current property is a major step in the process. But before you list your home, there are common mistakes you should avoid to make sure you attract the right buyers and get the best possible price.
The Problem: Messy Homes Turn Buyers Away
A few years ago, I showed a home to my buyers (friends who were pregnant with baby #2!). Imagine the horror when my friend walked into the home’s bathroom and saw the tub that she would use to bathe her kids, was filled with kitty litter. The home’s renter was using the guest bathtub as a litter box! She was disgusted and the showing ended as quickly as it started.
More often than not, you won’t have such a terrible experience when looking at homes, but consider walking into a home and seeing clutter everywhere. Piles of clothes, toys scattered around, and dusty furniture can immediately discourage potential buyers. In a market where sellers are plentiful, a messy home is an easy deal-breaker. Homebuyers often struggle to see themselves in a home that appears untidy or neglected.
Market data indicate homes that are not clean or well-organized can linger on the market longer and might even sell for less than expected.
Selling your home in Volusia County, Florida requires considering buyers’ impressions.
With home listings on the rise in Volusia County, it’s crucial to present your home at its best to compete with other listings.
The Real-World Impact: How a Messy Home Affects Upsizers
For homeowners planning to move into a bigger property, being unable to sell their current home quickly means that they might miss out on purchasing their desired next home.
Market data suggests that homeowners who neglect to clean, declutter, and properly stage their current homes often face delays. They usually have to lower their price, affecting the budget for their new purchase.
Staged homes appear more inviting, helping potential buyers visualize the living space’s potential. Cleaning up goes a long way in making a home attractive to buyers, which could lead to faster offers and a smoother transition to the next stage in your home-upgrade journey.
The Solution: How to Tidy and Impress
Why Cleanliness Matters Right Now
In Volusia County, the real estate market is balanced, with plenty of supply and consistent demand. This means every showing is a chance for you to impress buyers who are actively looking. Consequently, homes that don’t show well, have strong odors, or are overly cluttered are sitting on the market for up to a year or longer.
Homes that look neat and well-kept provide confidence to buyers. They feel assured that the house has been maintained well over the years, justifying their interest and prompting an offer.
What a Clean Home Says
A clean home says you have invested time and care in your property. Bright and uncluttered spaces seem larger and more inviting. It allows buyers to see the home’s true potential and how it might fit their family’s needs. With interest rates still reasonably low, potential upsizers are more inclined to consider homes that require fewer upfront changes or repairs.
How to Prepare Your Home for Selling
Here are actionable steps you can take to make your home market-ready and appealing to potential buyers:
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Declutter Rooms: Remove personal items and extra furniture that can make rooms appear small. Clean countertops and storage spaces.
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Deep Clean: Engage in a thorough cleaning session. Think of washing windows, scrubbing walls, and cleaning carpets.
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Minor Repairs: Fix leaky faucets, replace broken tiles, and ensure doors and windows open smoothly.
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Neutralize the Space: Paint walls in neutral colors so potential buyers can see how their furniture could work with your home.
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Enhance Curb Appeal: Clean walkways, trim shrubs, and tidy gardens to make a great first impression.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the importance of a neatly presented home cannot be overstated. Selling your Volusia County home involves more than simply listing it on the market; it requires thoughtful preparation and presentation. A clean and tidy home attracts the right buyers, simplifies your move, and ensures that you’re well on your way to upsize into a home that meets your needs and dreams.
Your next home is waiting. Don’t let a messy house hold you back. Take the time to clean and organize so that potential buyers see exactly what your home has to offer. After all, the journey to a bigger and better space starts with a clear and positive first impression.
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
