4 Things You Should DoBefore Putting Your House on the Market

If you want a great price for your home, you can't just throw it on the market and hope for the best. With online listings making it easier than ever for buyers to browse homes for sale, it's important to make your property stand apart. Homes in Mesa have a median sale price of $345K over the last month, so if you want to snag that sales price (or a higher one), be sure to take these four steps, courtesy of Mesa Painting Pros.

1. Declutter and DepersonalizeInterested buyers want to see your house, not your family photos or your kid's trophy collection. While personal decorations won't necessarily offend buyers, they will distract buyers so they're less likely to remember the important features of your home. While it can feel odd to live in a house that no longer looks like yours, it's smart to remove personal decorations before showing your home.
 
Decluttering should go beyond replacing family portraits with generic artwork. To make your home look spacious, remove all but the necessary furniture, declutter cabinets, and closets to visually increase storage space, and keep counters and tables clear.

2. Deep Clean It — Including the ExteriorOnce your home is tidy and clutter-free, it's time for a deep cleaning. This isn't your standard weekend chore. A pre-sale deep cleaning should include washing cabinet interiors, cleaning inside and under appliances, dusting crown and base molding and ceiling fans, and cleaning soft surfaces, including carpeting and upholstery. 
 
Don't neglect the exterior. To make sure your home sparkles outside just as much as it does indoors, try pressure washing to clean your home's exterior along with the driveway and walkway. If you need to hire a professional for this job, pressure-washing services cost an average of $275.

3. Add a Fresh Coat of PaintYour home's interior paint takes a beating over the years. Not only do scuffs, scratches, and nail holes leave their mark, but interior paint fades over time — and it doesn't always fade evenly. Since the walls are such a large, noticeable feature of your home, it's a good idea to repaint before you sell. Choose neutral paint colors for maximum appeal.
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4. Upgrade Your Curb AppealWithout a good first impression, it's hard to get buyers in the door. Curb appeal is key in marketing your home, but thankfully, you don't have to spend a lot to make a big impact on your home's appearance.
 
In addition to weeding and mowing the lawn, clean up your front porch by removing shoes, lawn tools and other front porch clutter. Replace your worn-out welcome mat with a new one, and dust away those dead bugs from the front porch light fixture. Consider also a fresh coat of paint on the front door to help your home stand out from the neighbors’, while a few potted plants along the front steps draws buyers’ attention inward. If you have garden beds along the front of your home, give them some TLC by weeding, pruning shrubs and laying fresh mulch.
 
As you prepare your home to sell, remember that your personal tastes and preferences aren't the priority. Instead, your efforts should focus on turning your home into a blank slate that any prospective buyer could imagine themselves living in. If you're wondering whether a project is worth it or if you should do more to prepare your home, reach out to your realtor for trusted advice.
 
Mesa Painting Pros is dedicated to helping customers beautify their most valuable asset - their home! From interior to exterior painting, our expert painters are trained to provide the results you're looking for. Contact us today for a free estimate!

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