Are you ready to take advantage of the favorable San Ramon real estate market and list your home for sale in the upcoming months? Though the fall and winter months have traditionally been slower for selling homes, the pandemic changed that trend in many markets and homes are still flying off the market as we approach the end of the year.
If you want to increase your chances of selling your home for top dollar, you need to price it competitively and work with an experienced San Ramon real estate agent who can help you market it to your ideal buyers. You also need to make sure it’s in top condition to encourage high offers. Here are some tips on prepping your home for the market:
Get a Pre-Listing Inspection Done
The last thing you want is for a deal to fall through because your home inspection turns up major issues with your property. It’s best to be proactive and get a pre-listing inspection so you can address large repairs before you list your property. This will help you fully understand the condition of your home and do the repairs in advance. You can also promote in your listing that this type of inspection has been done, giving peace of mind to prospective buyers of homes for sale in San Ramon.
Fully Declutter
Those who have lived in homes for sale in San Ramon for many years have probably accumulated a lot of clutter. A cluttered home is unappealing to prospective buyers because it makes the home appear poorly maintained and cramped. Before you do anything else on your pre-listing checklist, go through each room and remove any belongings that you don’t need immediate access to and that are taking up space. This includes out-of-season clothing or shoes, knickknacks, small appliances, toiletries, papers, and hobby materials. Rather than putting them in closets or storage spaces where prospective buyers will be sure to see them, move them to a rented storage unit until they can be transferred to your new home.
Get All Your Paperwork Ready
Those with homes for sale in San Ramon need to get all their paperwork in order prior to listing. This includes home warranty documents, tax and utility bills, land surveys, any permits you’ve obtained for past remodeling projects or renovations, and your mortgage payoff amount. If you can’t find any of these documents, it may take some time to locate them or request copies, so it’s best to start this process as soon as possible.
Hire a Cleaning Company
Deep cleaning your home is key to appealing to prospective buyers and ensuring they see your house as well-maintained and cared for. This includes getting into those out-of-the-way places like in and behind appliances, chandeliers, baseboards, and other areas that may not have been touched for years. Though you can do this job yourself, it’s usually better to hire a company that specializes in cleaning homes for sale in San Ramon. A pro will have the tools, equipment, and knowledge necessary to get the job done right.
Neutralize and Depersonalize All Rooms
In many cases, letting your personality shine through is good advice. However, this is not true when it comes to preparing homes for sale in San Ramon. If prospective buyers see too much evidence of your personal tastes or lifestyle, it can prevent them from developing an emotional connection to it and thinking of it as their own. To make your home as accessible as possible to a wide variety of buyers, repaint walls in warm neutrals like beiges, grays, or whites. Remove personal items such as framed awards or certifications, family portraits, and any religious objects. When you make your home a blank slate, your ideal buyer will be able to visualize their own décor and personalization and will be more likely to make an offer.
Have It Staged
Staging homes for sale in San Ramon helps them sell for more and spend less time on the market. According to stagedhomes.com, a home that is staged will spend an average of six days on the market while those that are not staged stay on the market for an average of 48 days. To experience all the benefits of staging, it’s best to hire a professional who can do all the work for you. If you decide to stage your home on your own, you can still expect to increase sale price and reduce time on the market if you follow best practices like designating the purpose of each room, removing large pieces of furniture, and maximizing light.
Remove Your Pets
There will be plenty of pet owners looking at homes for sale in San Ramon, but that doesn’t mean they want to see evidence of your pets as it may give them the impression your home has been damaged or is dirty. Before you list and start showing your home, find your pets a temporary place to stay and remove their bowls, food, toys, beds, and other items. If your home has stains or lingering odors from your pets, you may need to paint or have carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned.
Boost Curb Appeal
The front exterior of your home is just as—if not more—important than the interior. To create a good first impression for prospective buyers of homes for sale in San Ramon, make sure your lawn, shrubs, and trees are trimmed and tidy and that there is no visible damage to walk or driveways. You may also want to paint or replace your front or garage door and add some colorful potted plants or flowers near the front entrance.
To take advantage of the seller’s market and get top dollar for your home, follow the above tips and work with an experienced San Ramon real estate agent. Ready to get started? Reach out to trusted agent Lynn Chew today for expert assistance.