Is an aging adult in your life thinking about selling his or her home? Are you thinking of downsizing? Selling a home later in life can be a daunting task. For many families, the biggest hurdle is figuring out how and where to start. Relax. Here are a few tips to get you going.
Step One: Declutter.
It’s never too early to start packing. When you do, don’t waste time and space boxing up things that you or your loved one no longer need or want. Take time to go through books, clothes and other belongings to ensure that everything being packed is either necessary or something that, in the words of organizing consultant Marie Kondo, sparks joy. As for the rest, a great (and profitable) way to offload is to have a yard sale and donate anything left over to a local charity.
Step 2: Make repairs.
If potential buyers notice that small repairs are needed around the house, it can make them wonder if more significant maintenance has been neglected. Before showing off your home, take care of that leaky faucet, broken doorknob or other fix-it needs. Even little things reassure a buyer that they’re looking at something solid.
Step 3: Don’t go it alone.
It might be tempting to save money on commission and sell a home on your own. However, unless you know the ins and outs of the current real estate market (and have lots of time on your hands), it’s wise to enlist an experienced real estate agent. While you’re decluttering and fixing things up, your agent will be busy listing the property and finding potential buyers. It’s also reassuring to know that at the closing, contracts and other paperwork will be handled properly.
Step 4: Remove and pack up family photos.
As you prepare the home for showings, pack up photo albums and framed family pictures. This simple task does double duty: It secures cherished belongings so they travel safely during a move and minimizes décor to simplify overall appearance. Remember: Homebuyers view a prospective home as a blank canvas to which they can add their own personal touches. It helps to rid the space of your personal items so they can better imagine theirs.
Step 5: Stage the house—for less.
If you watch any of the home shows on HGTV, you know that people often stage their homes for a faster sale. This means they arrange furniture and décor in a way that complements each room well. Don’t worry–you don’t have to hire an expensive interior designer. Your real estate agent can most likely make some suggestions about what homebuyers want to see when they view your home.
Step 6: Add curb appeal.
How’s that yard looking? Even simple moves can spruce up a home’s outward appearance. In spring or summer, keep the lawn freshly mowed. If there are flowerbeds, freshly planted blooms will add a nice pop of color. In fall or winter, make sure leaves are raked up or snow is cleared from the sidewalks and driveway. A fresh coat of paint on the front door also helps. You want potential homebuyers to feel welcome from their very first glance.
Make the next place the best place
If you or your loved one are pondering a move—and if you’d like to feel welcome from the very first day in your next home—check out Five Star Senior Living. We offer beautiful living spaces just waiting for your personal touches. Find out if there’s a Five Star independent living or assisted living community near you.