If you’re thinking of selling your home, now is a good time. According to the William Raveis Real Estate website, Woodstock is a seller-friendly market right now. The median sale price for a home in June was $269,900, which was way up from one year ago when the median price was $153,250. Homes for sale spent an average of just 39 days on the market before selling. 

Homeowners can find it difficult to see their home through the eyes of a potential buyer. That dwelling you’ve lived in happily for a number of years might not be so appealing to someone looking to buy. What needs to be done to help the house sell for the best possible price?

Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning

To get a house ready to sell, start by cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Not just your typical, everyday cleaning. This is when you deep clean everything—carpets, windowsills, door frames, ceiling fans, baseboards, light fixtures, ovens, and windows—inside and out. You may want to consider hiring a professional cleaning company to come in and do the initial work, and then have them stop in every couple of weeks for touch-ups while the house is on the market.

Declutter

Next, it’s time to declutter. You’re going to be packing for the move anyway. Now is the time to get rid of the mess. In the decluttering process, be sure to pack up personal items such as family photos and knickknacks. Also, keep the décor in each room simple, with minimal furnishings and artwork.

Don’t forget the closets. 

While these are great places to stash stuff when company comes, remember that buyers will be scoping out all the closets to check out the space. Make sure they are organized and thus a positive selling point for your house.

Check the walls

Now look closely at the walls. The dark mauve bathroom or the vibrant yellow kitchen may appeal to you but not to everyone. Grab the paint brush and change any unusual wall colors to neutral tones of white, gray, or tan. Then buyers will notice the room, not the walls.

Bathroom details

Does the bathroom have a leaky faucet? Are there scuff marks on the walls, or a loose doorknob? Consider making minor repairs. Those small issues can be major negatives in the buyer’s eyes.

Curb appeal

Finally, up the curb appeal. Walk up to your front door as though you were a guest. What do you see? Spend some time cleaning up the entrance—plant flowers, weed the flower beds, trim the shrubs, and sweep the walkway. Painting the front door, as well as adding a wreath or some potted plants, can also make a big difference.

Getting your home ready to sell may mean an investment of your time, but it doesn’t have to put a big dent in your wallet. Plus, your realtor can tell you what needs to be done so you get the biggest bang for your buck.