Getting Ready to Sell Your Home in Dublin? Here’s How to Get The Best Price Possible!
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The details matter when it comes to getting your house prepared for sale. From decluttering and depersonalising to staging and making necessary repairs, you can take several steps to ensure your property looks its best when potential buyers come knocking.
Kerb appeal is also an important part of this process – with some simple upgrades outside your home, you could increase the sales price significantly.
In this blog post, we will discuss how these tips can help prepare your house for sale viewings, so you get the best price in return.
In my 15 years of experience in the real estate market here in Dublin, I have seen many top pricing opportunities missed when the homeowner decides not to put in the preparation work.
It is worth the investment.
So let’s jump in.
Declutter and Depersonalize
When it comes to selling a home, the first step is often decluttering and depersonalising. This process helps potential buyers visualise themselves living in the space rather than being distracted by your personal items.
People just don’t love your stuff as much as you do.
Start by removing family photos and other personal mementoes from walls, shelves, mantles and tabletops. These items can be distracting for buyers who are trying to imagine their own belongings in the space. It’s also important to remove any excess furniture that may make rooms appear smaller or cluttered.
Next, go through closets and storage areas such as attics or basements and clear out anything you don’t need on a daily basis like holiday decorations or extra kitchen gadgets. Consider renting a storage unit if needed so that these items are still accessible but not cluttering up your home during showings.
Finally, organise what remains with an eye towards making each room look spacious yet inviting – think neutral colours and minimal décor pieces that will draw attention away from clutter instead of towards it. Don’t forget about outdoor spaces too – tidy up gardens and patios to look neat when potential buyers come for viewings.
By taking the time to declutter and depersonalise before putting your home on the market, you can help ensure its success.
Decluttering and depersonalising your home can make it much more appealing to potential buyers, so take the time to remove excess items and personal belongings. Now that you have a clean slate, let’s move on to staging your house for sale.
Staging
Staging is an important part of selling a house. It can help make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase its value. When staging, it’s important to depersonalise the space by removing family photos and other personal items that could distract buyers from seeing themselves in the home.
Rearranging furniture can also be helpful when staging a home. For example, try creating inviting spaces throughout the house, such as cosy seating areas or conversation nooks. This will give buyers an idea of how they could use the space if they were to purchase it.
Adding neutral accents is another great way to stage a home for sale. Neutral colours are calming and appealing, so try adding some subtle pops of colour with pillows or throwing in shades like taupe, grey, cream or white that won’t overwhelm potential buyers but still add visual interest to each room.
Kerb appeal is also essential when staging a home for sale; you want people driving by to be drawn into your property before they even step foot inside. Ensure your lawn is well-manicured, and consider planting flowers around walkways or near entrances. This adds charm and beauty outside your front door.
Finally, don’t forget about lighting. Natural light makes any room look bigger, while strategically placed lamps can create a warm ambience throughout the house – both key elements when attracting potential buyers who just may well fall in love with your property at first sight. Turn on every light you have, even in the middle of the day when a viewing is taking place.
Staging your home properly can help make a great first impression, and with some attention to kerb appeal, you can ensure that potential buyers will be eager to come inside.
Kerb Appeal
Kerb appeal is the term real estate agents use to describe how attractive a property looks from the street. So it’s important to ensure that your house stands out for all the right reasons when potential buyers come by for a viewing or, sometimes, from their point of view – an inspection!
Power Washing:
Power washing can effectively remove dirt and grime from siding, walkways, decks and patios. This will help give your home a fresh and crisp look. So yes, it is time to get that dusty power washer out of the garage and use it. Remember to clean up and tidy your garage too. Buyers will envisage themselves using your garage too.
Trimming Shrubs:
Trim any overgrown shrubs or trees to keep them neat and tidy. Pruning back branches can also help let more light into windows which could brighten up rooms inside the house and make it look more appealing from the outside.
Planting Flowers:
Planting flowers and bushes in front of the house is another creative way to add colour and life to your home’s exterior appearance. This also provides some privacy if you have neighbours close by who can see into windows or balconies easily. Consider using perennials so that they will bloom year after year without having too much maintenance required on your part.
Painting or varnishing window frames, doors, railings or other features around the exterior of your home can give it an instant facelift without breaking the bank either. Choose colours that match each other but still stand out against one another; this will draw attention away from any imperfections while adding character at the same time too.
Ensuring your home looks great from the outside is essential for a successful sale. Next, we’ll look at how to ensure your home’s interior is just as inviting.
Cleaning
Cleaning is an essential part of preparing a home for sale. It can make all the difference in how quickly and for how much your property sells. In addition, a clean, well-maintained home will be more attractive to potential buyers and give them confidence that they are investing in quality. Who doesn’t believe in ‘clean’?
Deep Cleaning:
Deep cleaning is key when it comes to getting your house ready for sale. This means going beyond just wiping down surfaces and vacuuming carpets; it includes scrubbing grout, polishing fixtures, dusting ceiling fans, washing windows inside and out, etc. If you don’t have the time or energy to do this yourself, consider hiring a professional cleaner who specialises in deep cleaning homes before they go on the market. While I sometimes don’t notice dust, people out there have very keen eyesight and notice everything!
Natural Cleaners:
When deep cleaning your home before listing it for sale, try using natural cleaners instead of harsh chemicals that may harm pets or small children if left behind after move-in day. Natural cleaners such as baking soda mixed with vinegar can effectively remove dirt and grime without leaving any residue behind while also being better for the environment than chemical products. Also, make sure you avoid a lingering chemical cleaning smell in the air. People want to move into a nice house – not a hospital!
Organising:
In addition to deep cleaning each room of your house before selling it, take some time to organise closets and cabinets so that potential buyers can get an idea of how much storage space is available in each room. This will help create an overall sense of tidiness throughout the entire house, leaving a lasting impression on those viewing it during open houses or private showings. We as humans carry enough clutter in our heads; we don’t need an extra dose of it in our home surroundings.
Finally, deodorising each room with air fresheners or scented candles prior to showing off your property is always recommended, as unpleasant odours can distract from its other features during viewings, no matter how clean everything else looks. Avoid cooking before viewers arrive.
But don’t go too heavy on the candle scents. What might smell luscious to you may have your viewer grasping for breath.
Once your house is clean, it’s time to make sure all necessary repairs are done. This will help ensure that potential buyers have a positive impression of the property and can see its true value. I hope you know a good handyman if you are not handy yourself.
Repairs
Making sure all fixtures and features are in working order can help ensure that potential buyers will be more interested in making an offer. Fixing broken fixtures such as door knobs, cabinet handles, and light switches is essential for creating a good impression. Patching holes in walls or repairing any damage caused by pets or children should also be addressed before listing the property.
Replacing worn-out flooring is another repair that should not be overlooked when preparing to sell a home. If carpets are stained or have seen better days, replacing them with new ones can make a huge difference in how attractive the house looks to potential buyers. Similarly, if there is hardwood flooring underneath the old carpet, it may be worth considering removing the carpet and refinishing the wood instead of installing new flooring altogether.
Finally, consider freshly painting any rooms which feature outdated colours or wallpaper patterns before showing your home off to prospective buyers. A smart, freshly applied coat of paint on interior walls can go a long way towards making your house look modern and inviting without breaking the bank on expensive renovations. Taking care of these small repairs ahead of time will help create an overall positive impression for anyone who views your property, which could lead to higher offers from interested parties.
FAQs in Relation to Getting Your House Ready for Sale
What improvements are worth making before selling a house?
Before selling a house, it is important to make sure the property is in good condition. This includes ensuring that all repairs are completed and any necessary maintenance has been done. Additionally, consider making cosmetic improvements such as painting walls or updating fixtures to help attract potential buyers. Lastly, decluttering and staging the home can help create an inviting atmosphere for prospective buyers. Taking these steps will ensure your house stands out from the competition and helps you get the best price possible when selling your property in Dublin, Ireland.
What should you not do before selling your house?
Before selling your house, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork in order. This includes having a valid title deed and any other relevant documents such as planning permission or building regulations certificates. Additionally, you should check that there are no outstanding debts on the property, such as unpaid utility bills or mortgages. You should also consider carrying out repairs and renovations if needed to make sure the property is presented in its best condition before listing it for sale. Finally, be aware of potential tax implications when selling your home so that you can plan accordingly.
How do I get my house ready to sell inexpensively?
Preparing your home for sale can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. You can do most of it yourself if you have the energy and the ‘knack’. Start by decluttering and deep cleaning your home. This will help create an inviting atmosphere that potential buyers can envision themselves living in. Next, make any necessary repairs or touch-ups, such as painting walls, replacing light fixtures and fixing broken door handles. Finally, stage your home with furniture and decorations highlighting its best features while making it look spacious and enticing. With these simple steps, you’ll be ready to list your property at a competitive price.
Can I hire a professional to get my house ready for sale?
Yes, you can always enlist a home staging professional. The home staging industry has taken off in Dublin, with many people able to help you. Here is a list of Dublin-based home staging companies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting your house ready for sale can be a daunting task. However, with the right preparation and attention to detail, you can maximise the value of your home. Decluttering and depersonalising will help potential buyers envision themselves in the space. Cleaning and making repairs are essential to show that your property is well maintained. Finally, staging and improving kerb appeal will ensure your home stands out from others on the market. With these steps in mind, you’ll be much more likely to get a top price when selling your house.
Are you looking to sell your property in Dublin? Casey Kennedy Real Estate Agents can help. We offer professional advice and support throughout the entire process, from preparing your house for sale to finding potential buyers. Our team of experts will ensure that everything is taken care of so you can focus on getting your house ready to achieve top price. Contact us today and let’s get started!