New Year, New Home: What You Need To Do Now To Prep Your Property For the Market

The end of the year is very near; whether you have thoughts of selling in 2018 or simply want to start the New Year enjoying your home to the fullest, here are my top recommendations that you can start today:

1. Think like a buyer...

This can be as simple as doing a walk-through of each room in your home, as if it's on the market and you're evaluating what you like & dislike. This is a terrific exercise for opening your mind to everyday things in your home that you may not even realize because you're so frequently in the space.

2. Ditch the bulk...

Do you have an oversized couch that you absolutely love and won't part it? Many people do, and I understand it's appeal, but buyers will automatically think the room in its is far smaller than it actually is. Remove any bulky furniture from your home that can detract from the value of your property by making it feel smaller than it actually is.

3. Clear closet clutter...

This is the ultimate win-win for you. Taking the time to fully clear out and organize all closets in your home will not only make you feel more relaxed and on top of it, but it will showcase your closet space for what it truly is.

4. Say no to wasted space...

It's wonderful to be able to have an additional bedroom that can be used for whatever you need it to be... an office, a den, a storage room... however, it's easier for buyers to appreciate a space's value when it's given a defined purpose. That way, even if they don't necessarily need a home office like yours, they are able to actually see it as a finished room that they can then use for whatever purpose they want to.

My 2016 blog entry, "Five Steps You Must Take When Selling Your Home," delves deeper into the nitty gritty of each step to take before you list. Read it here: http://www.melaniehane.com/blog/2016/3/18/5-steps-selling-your-home