You’ve taken the big step and decided to put your apartment up for sale. Well done!
Since we’re not all Carrie from Sex and the City, who just keeps her old apartment when moving into a bigger one with Big (see what I did there?), it’s important to make sure that your apartment is actually ready to be sold when you put it on the market.
Have a read through these steps to make sure you’ve checked everything off your list before you can hand over the keys to a new owner.
The Rough Work
PC: www.kaboompics.com
Even if your apartment has been well maintained over the years, there are always little things that need to be fixed. A loose doorknob, a window that doesn’t open all the way, or scruff marks on the wall.
Have a good and honest look around your entire apartment, note everything that needs to be touched up or fixed, and get to work.
The Beautification
PC: www.pexels.com
The little things make a difference. Buy a new set of white towels and arrange them in the bathroom for that crisp hotel feel. Arrange candles in a solid color on a tray. Consider swapping your extravagant art work for simpler pieces that are easier on the eye.
Clean, clean, and clean a little bit more. It’s uncanny how big a turnoff traces of toothpaste on the bathroom mirror or dust in the corner can be to prospective buyers.
The Depersonalization
PC: www.pexels.com
You don’t have to put away every single family portrait, after all, it’s no secret that people have been living in the apartment. However, let the buyer imagine themselves in the space by removing any personal items or put them in storage.
The key is to find a balance. You don’t have to hide all your decor, just pick a few pieces that highlight your apartment’s strong points without overpowering them. For example, a small lamp with a soft light can be put in a corner next to a chair to create a cozy reading nook.
Daily Duties
PC: www.pixabay.com
Most of us don’t have the luxury to stay somewhere else while showing our apartment. Unfortunately, buyers don’t really appreciate a full sink of dishes, an overflowing laundry basket, and an unmade bed.
To make sure that your apartment looks like a just made-up hotel room, take these steps before every single showing:
- Make your bed. Neatly.
- Wash every single dish in the sink, empty the dishwasher completely, and put everything away in its designated space.
- Do all your laundry, fold it neatly, and accurately arrange it in your closet. Remember, buyers aren’t afraid of opening closets and looking inside to make sure they’re big enough for all their belongings.
- Wipe down all counters once more and vacuum every day.
- Open all curtains and blinds and switch on all the lights. This will make your home look bright and spacious.
Final Verdicts
PC: www.decoist.com
Admittedly, getting your apartment sale-ready is hard work, but it’s worth it. Presenting your apartment in its best possible light could boost its price by thousands of dollars.
In turn, failing to fix a loose handle or having buyers stare at your stained windows might make them submit a lower offer than they originally planned.
