8 Projects Realtors Recommend Before Showing a House

Table of Contents

Declutter

Claim to have a "clutter" issue. A cluttered home looks disorganized and cramped, which isn't attractive to potential buyers. It's no surprise that 96 percent of real estate agents advise sellers to clean up clutter before putting their homes on the market.

A Massachusetts realtor says, "If the seller doesn't put in a lot of effort to get rid of clutter, it's difficult for buyers to really visualize the house."

Larger projects that require more personnel and a longer duration can be more expensive.

Thorough Cleaning

Cleaning your home is often linked with decluttering to create a good first impression. According to 88 percent of realtors, it's a must-do before an open house. A clean home makes a property more appealing and indicates to potential buyers that everything is in good shape, which may increase their willingness to make an offer.

A realtor with Canon Real Estate, who has completed the Graduate, Realtor Institute program, suggests, "I'll recommend a cleaning service to thoroughly clean the property. It's definitely worth the investment."

Barry agrees. "I always suggest having the house professionally cleaned just before home showings begin," she says.

It can take one to three hours to thoroughly clean every surface in a home, including hard-to-reach areas, when using two people. On your own, you can expect to spend at least $50 on cleaning supplies and around 5 to 6 hours of your time.

Minor Drywall Repair

Fixing small drywall issues is essential to creating a well-maintained and move-in ready appearance that potential buyers will love. Even minor flaws can raise questions about the property's overall condition, potentially scaring off buyers or providing them with a reason to negotiate a lower price.

For projects that are large or complex, hiring a professional is usually worth the cost, even if you're unsure about your ability to do the work yourself.

As a licensed contractor, I frequently assist homeowners in getting their properties market-ready for sale. In nearly every case, some repairs to drywall are necessary. Even a small hole can make a negative impression and suggest that the homeowner hasn't maintained the property well. That's why 72 percent of real estate agents advise sellers to complete this project before putting their home on the market.

Clean Wall-to-Wall Carpets

Cleaning carpets prior to an open house is vital to create a more appealing and fresh home, with 71% of real estate professionals believing it's an essential step before a showing. Clean carpets get rid of musty smells and allergens, making the environment feel more welcoming and comfortable, which can increase the likelihood of attracting potential buyers.

The cleaning solution depth may vary depending on the type of carpet.

These automatic cleaning machines are designed to be easy to use and suitable for homeowners who want to do the work themselves, with only the cost of the cleaning solution to consider.

To touch up problem spots, begin by blotting the area with a cleaning solution to remove dirt and dust. Then, touch up the paint area with a matching paint pen or small brush and paint.

Sprucing up or repainting problem walls before selling your house can greatly enhance the overall appearance of your home and create the impression of a well-maintained property.

"We recommend that sellers focus on small projects like painting walls and fixing up woodwork," Barry says. " Painting makes a big impact in making a house look more welcoming." In fact, 57 to 58 percent of realtors advise clients to consider this renovation when getting their house ready to sell.

A typical cost for a standard-sized house is around $3,500. However, this estimate excludes the cost of paint, which amounts to $35 to $70 per gallon, covering an area of 350 to 400 square feet. Homeowners who possess the time, tools, and necessary expertise can potentially save on these expenses by tackling the job themselves.

Remove Personal Items

布置 like collectibles, memorabilia, religious artifacts, and photos in your home to create a welcoming atmosphere, allowing potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.

"When giving advice, I suggest people remove all personal photos from the fridge and walls," Tourville says. "I tell them this helps potential buyers imagine themselves living there and makes the space look less cluttered." According to a poll, 65% of realtors recommend depersonalizing a home before a showing.

Homeowners with the time and some empty boxes can detach personal items from living rooms, kitchens, and primary bedrooms, which Realtors consider the most critical areas for staging. This can be part of a professional staging company's services, or it can be done by homeowners to make these rooms more appealing to potential buyers.

Improve Landscaping

A nicely-manicured and visually appealing outdoor area can boost the overall attractiveness of a property before a showing, hinting to potential buyers that the property has been well taken care of and making it more desirable.

The exterior of the house is the very first thing people see when they drive up," Tourville says. "It's extremely important in creating a buyer's first impression.

A general yard cleanup can cost anywhere from $265 to $590. Adding mulch or new plantings may increase the cost, but they can also be a worthwhile investment.

At the time of resale. Homeowners who want to save money can typically accomplish landscaping improvements on their own, but this type of work can be physically demanding and time-consuming.

Regrout Shower

Keeping your bathroom clean and well-maintained can actually increase its value and make it more hygienic. When the grout behind your shower remains clean and in good shape, it deters the growth of mold and reduces the risk of water damage. Interestingly, 30% of real estate agents surveyed recommended undertaking such a project.

I had a client who was getting ready to sell their house, but I strongly advised them to regrout their shower before hosting an open house. Unfortunately, they opted against it due to the expenses involved. During the home inspection, the issue with the grout did come up, and it likely contributed to the buyers ultimately backing out of the deal.

Capital, maintenance, and operating, including labor and materials.

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