Selling your house can be daunting, especially if you’re working within a short timeframe. Your home might be too cluttered, require repairs, or need a fresh coat of paint. You are also concerned about marketing your property to make a great first impression on potential buyers.
The anxiety associated with the process can be overwhelming. But with a structured daily plan, you can have your house market-ready and fetch top dollar within 30 days!
How to Get Your House Ready to Sell in Texas: A 30-Day Guide
We have prepared a daily guide that breaks down everything you need to do to have your house ready to sell within a month. All these steps will ensure you maximize the appeal of your property and have a successful sale while the clock is ticking.
Days 1-5: Initial Assessment and Decluttering
The first step is to understand your home’s condition. Carefully walk through your home and take thorough notes of pending repairs and potential improvements. Assess the house’s exterior. Think like a potential buyer scrutinizing the property for faults. Identify problem areas, ranging from squeaky doors to mold formations.
Additionally, set aside a budget for these pending tasks. Once you have your initial list, start by prioritizing tasks. Order them by the cost, time to complete, and impact on the sale. Focus on the most impactful action points that fit your budget, but allow for some flexibility since things can change as you start working on your house.
The first task that your house needs is aggressive decluttering. Remove nonessential decorations, furniture, and personal mementos to create a more neutral and spacious environment. This includes everything from extra tables and couches to magazines, plants, paintings, and sports memorabilia. Your home should present a blank canvas, allowing potential buyers to envision their personal touches.
If you have too many things, consider recycling, donating, or throwing some away. You can also rent a temporary storage unit or ask a friend for assistance in storing them.
Days 6-10: Deep Clean
The next step is to clean your entire house thoroughly. A spotless home enhances its appearance and shows potential buyers it has been well-maintained.
Start by deep cleaning the house’s main areas. Vacuum all surfaces, remove cobwebs, and clean dirt from hard-to-reach areas. Pay extra attention to often overlooked areas such as faucets, baseboards, windowsills, and behind appliances. Clean and sanitize all surfaces in your bathroom, including the toilet, shower/tub, mirrors, sink, and faucets. For the kitchen, start clearing out your fridge and remove any ice buildup from the freezer.
Consider investing in a professional cleaning service to ensure your home receives a pristine finish. Once the initial deep cleaning is complete, it is just as important to maintain the cleanliness. Regularly clean every part of your house throughout the sale process, especially once showings and open houses begin.
Days 11-15: Repairs and Improvements
Buyers will be looking for a house that looks good and is functional. Therefore, dedicating time to repairs and improvements is essential. Start with minor maintenance tasks such as fixing leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or squeaky doors. Ensure all appliances, like the refrigerator, dishwasher, and HVAC system, are in optimal working condition.
Inspect the electrical wiring and plumbing systems thoroughly and identify any issues. If there are any faulty outlets or leaking pipes, take the time to fix them. Any visible damage to the house will deter buyers, so ensure that things look and function properly.
If these tasks seem overwhelming, consider hiring professionals. Licensed plumbers and electricians can handle more complicated issues, work faster, and perform repairs safely and up to standard codes.
Days 16-20: Paint and Curb Appeal
Giving your house a fresh coat of paint can improve its interior appeal. Make sure you use a neutral color that appeals to most buyers. Touch up any scruffs or marks on the walls or ceilings. The house should have a uniform and welcoming look.
The curb sets the stage for a lasting first impression because it’s the first thing buyers will see. Tidy up your front yard and keep it clean. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and plant vibrant flowers to add color. Have your driveway and entryway clean and free of debris or clutter to create a neat and inviting pathway into the house. A simple, welcoming doormat and a couple of plants near the front door can make it look much more welcoming.
Finally, don’t forget to clean or replace the mailbox if necessary.
Days 21-25: Staging, Photography, and Online Listing
Now that you’ve done all the essentials, it is time for final touch-ups. Optimize the layout of the furniture to highlight space and functionality. Some people rent furniture that complements their property. Consider neutral tones and keep things minimalistic to appeal to a broader audience. While you may use some decor to accentuate the features of your house, do not overcrowd spaces with unnecessary items.
Now it’s time to take pictures and post the listing online. When taking pictures, ensure your rooms are well-lit. It’s good to invest in a professional photographer to take high-quality pictures. Unimpressive pictures in your listing will make your property look less appealing. In addition to pictures, craft a compelling and honest description of your house. Highlight its unique features and upgrades. Be sure to include essential information such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any special amenities. Post the listing online on major real estate websites and social media, and also spread the word through friends, family, and colleagues.
We highly recommend uploading multiple listings with real estate agents or companies.
Days 26-30: Showings and Open Houses
Now that your house is ready to host potential buyers in person, transition into showings and open houses by preparing informational packets for visitors and scheduling viewings flexibly. Ensure that the house remains clean and ready for last-minute showings. Hosting an open house day for all potential buyers is also a good idea. Perform final checks beforehand and be available to answer questions.
After the open house, collect feedback to gauge visitor impressions and concerns and use it to make further adjustments. Don’t forget to collect contact information for follow-ups!
Consider Selling Your House As-Is
If you want to sell your home quickly and prefer to avoid the hassle of repairs and renovations, consider listing your property as-is. This approach can be especially appealing if you’re under a tight deadline.
Selling your house as-is to A-List Properties allows you to bypass the usual home preparations. Here are the advantages:
- Speed of Sale: A-List Properties close deals quickly with an all-cash offer. You can move on faster without waiting for buyer financing approvals.
- No Additional Costs: There’s no need to worry about repair expenses, realtor fees, or cleaning costs. At A-List Properties, we handle all that by purchasing homes in any condition — whether cluttered, damaged, or outdated!
- Ease and Convenience: Take what you want from your home and leave the rest. Whether it’s unwanted furniture or other items, we will take care of it. We also offer help to move you out!
- Fair, All-Cash Offer: You’ll receive a straightforward cash proposal for your property, allowing you to avoid the often lengthy and uncertain process of selling through traditional channels. This approach is hassle-free, with no obligation to accept until you are completely satisfied.
Sell Your Texas House Fast!
Readying your house for sale within 30 days is an achievable goal with a strategic approach. By focusing on decluttering, deep cleaning, making essential repairs, and staging your home effectively, you can significantly enhance its appeal to potential buyers.
Remember, the key to a swift and successful sale is presenting a home that looks well-maintained and move-in ready. Prioritize tasks with the most visual impact and consult professionals for specialized services to ensure your home shines on the market.
Alternatively, consider selling your house as-is in Texas. With a 100% cash offer, we buy houses in Texas in all conditions. Unlike other home-buying companies, we truly mean what we say. This means you do not have to clean, stage, or repair your home. We will match the current market value of your property and take everything else into our hands!
By selling to A-List Properties, you can avoid the lengthy process of listing, showing, and negotiating your home sale. Call us today at (972) 526-7042 or request a cash offer to learn how we can help you!