Quick Fixes to Make Before Selling Your Home

You’ve been in your home for several years. Now you are relocating. You want to obtain the best sales price for your home. Here are some quick fixes that will increase its sales value.

Kitchen and Bath Repairs are Key

Many buyers focus on kitchens and bathrooms as indicators of how well previous owners have cared for the home. So naturally, you’ll want to ensure these rooms are in tip-top shape.

  • Deep clean both rooms.
  • Make sure cabinet doors and drawers open and shut easily.
  • Paint cabinets to perk up the kitchen.
  • Ensure the drains don’t leak and that the water drains quickly.
  • Resurface the bathtub if the acrylic is peeling.
  • Use a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and a toothbrush, followed by a 50-50 water and vinegar solution to make grout stains disappear. Alternatively, use a commercial grout whitening product.
  • Replace dark shades with curtains that let in the light
  • Update light fixtures

Mind the Floors

Floors are one of the first areas a prospective buyer sees. Clean them thoroughly and replace seriously stained carpets or severely damaged floors. Laminate and vinyl are cost-effective options.

Improve Curb Appeal

Many potential buyers will determine whether to view the interior of your home by what they see on the exterior. Spreading mulch is an inexpensive and quick way to make your lawn look more appealing. Some cities may offer mulch for free. Also, mow and weed the yard.

Rent a pressure washer and powerwash your home, patios, and walkways so they sparkle. Fix any cracked cement. Consider lighting the pathways to make them appear more hospitable.

Also, ensure your garage door is free of dings and that sliding doors are on their tracks. All doors should be in good condition and their weather stripping intact. Finally, consider replacing the hardware on your front door since it is the first thing prospective buyers see.

Check carefully for damaged roof eaves or missing shingles and repair and replace them. Homeowners will be wary of taking on a home they believe might soon need a new roof.

Also, look carefully at your fence. Replace any rotting or damaged boards on wooden rails. Ensure the gates open and close easily. Finally, fix any chipped paint issues.

Declutter Closets and Garage

Buyers value storage space. If you pare down your contents, your closets and garage will appear more spacious. Discard or donate anything you don’t need. Pack the rest in boxes and store them until your house sells. 

Consider a Paint Pick-Me-Up

A fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve the appearance of some rooms. Using light neutral colors will appeal to most buyers. However, avoid white as it is often too stark.

Wallpaper and borders are a matter of taste. Consider taking them down so that the home will appeal to a broader base of buyers.

Consult an Expert

Your real estate agent will have great ideas about what repairs to prioritize when selling your home. They also often know contractors who will do the work at a reasonable price. Also, consult a professional mover about your impending move. Contact us for moving tips and a free quote.

Dealing With the Stress of a Household Move

Moving is one of the most stressful things we do in our lives. Sometimes household relocations, for whatever reason, are fraught with anxiety. 

For instance, you land a fantastic job in an amazing city and are optimistic about the future. Yet relocation is stressful despite these positive elements.

The challenge with moving is that so many variables are at play that at least one will cause you stress. Moving can become overwhelming if you experience more than one of these.

Stress Factors with a Move

Relocating is meant to be a chance to start over fresh, but the thought of moving can be intimidating. The following factors can make moving emotionally taxing:

1. Moving Away from Friends and Family

Even if you’re looking forward to exploring a new place, leaving behind your familiar surroundings, friends, and family can be unsettling.

2. Fulfilling Deadlines

Deadlines make many people nervous. Moving presents us with many unfamiliar, imminent, and often non-negotiable deadlines. Missing dates for utilities, closings, or packing can all accumulate. 

3. Creating New Routines

When you relocate, you must create new routines and a whole new web of connections to facilitate your daily life. You must now form relationships in an entirely new setting, from the supermarket to the bank to our various social and recreational pursuits. This can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it will also be stressful. 

4. Managing Finances

Any discussion of finances, no matter how upbeat, can cause anxiety. Financial considerations associated with relocating extend far beyond the direct cost of relocating. Most of the time, people rent, buy, or sell homes. These monetary dealings are challenging to manage independently, but the pressure can be overwhelming when you relocate.

Handling Moving Stress

Whether you’re worried about just one of these moving stress factors or a combination of them all, you can find ways to deal with the challenges of moving. The following are ways to help keep your anxiety levels at bay while dealing with your relocation.

1. Research Your New Area

Knowing more about the area you are relocating to will be very helpful. For example, find out how far away the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, hospital, school, and place of employment will be. Knowing this information will help ease your mind during the moving process. In addition, this will give you the confidence and motivation to make the change without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Plan Early

There are no shortcuts to the procedures you must follow for your relocation. But moving is less stressful when you give yourself plenty of time.

3. Prepare for Your Relocation

Making a detailed plan for your move will help you see what’s ahead and help you stay on track. Seeing how far you’ve come can make you feel good about your efforts. Time constraints are a significant source of tension when packing up and moving. Using a checklist to plan your relocation will help you accomplish everything you need to.

Find a moving checklist online or with the help of your mover and make your own.

4. Pace Yourself

Taking time to relax and regroup regularly can make the transition much less stressful. Unfortunately, sometimes you get so focused on getting things done that you need to remember to take breaks and enjoy the journey.

You can plan needed breaks if you start early and organize your move. This is essential for taking care of yourself during the months-long relocation process. 

Professional Movers Can Ease Your Stress

Hiring a professional moving company can reduce your stress and frustration.

Choosing the right residential moving company can help you avoid the hassle and anxiety frequently related to the process. From packing to moving to storage, a professional mover can help you today. Contact us for a free quote.

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