Most successful home sellers have certain key habits in common, whether it’s clearing out their mail pile every day or doing a monthly deep clean. Here are the best habits you can adopt to proactively maintain your home all the way to a successful sale:
Tidy up every day – When your home is on the market, it’s best to always have it “show-ready,” which means in tiptop shape, since buyers love an impeccably clean house.
It is recommended that you create a daily checklist of what to quickly tidy up before you leave for the day, so you can be prepared for last-minute showings. The checklist will help you get into the habit of making sure beds are made, clutter is put away, countertops are wiped down, blinds are left open, and fliers are left on the table.
Respond to offers every day – Successful sellers are in the habit of responding to offers quickly. It’s very important to strike when the iron is hot. Buyers get antsy when their offer isn’t responded to and begin to doubt it, because so much of real estate is emotional. Prepare yourself by figuring out in advance what you will and won’t accept. This includes the lowest offer you will take and what contingencies you’ll allow.
Do a deep clean inside and out every week – Pick a day each week to do a deep clean of your home, to keep the daily maintenance to a minimum. If you have a pet, this might include a weekly refreshing of carpets and upholstery that may harbor unpleasant smells.
Clear closets and cabinets of clutter – When a client approaches me about wanting to list their home, the first thing I tell them to do is go through closets and get in the habit of donating unwanted items every month. Closet and storage space is extremely important to buyers, and a seller needs to make them look as spacious as possible. Getting into the habit of eliminating clutter will make it easier for you to keep your closets show-ready.
Maintain he exterior of your home – Establish the routine of ensuring your home’s stellar appearance by replacing outdoor light bulbs and cleaning the front porch. Freshen up exterior paint, get a professional window-cleaning and plant new landscaping if needed. Most buyers fall in love with a house before they even enter so this area is especially important to maintain on a regular basis.
Make sure your home is in good repair – Once you know a sale is in your future, it’s time to get a presale home inspection, so you can get in the habit of keeping your property in shape until you list it. An inspection will allow you time to make any major repairs, meaning that you’ll be able to keep the negotiation power on your side instead of the buyer’s.
All these habits add up to one thing—demonstrating pride of ownership. After all, you only get one chance to make a first impression.