At one time it was common for people to live in the same home most of their life. But according to recent survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau, less than 25 percent of homeowners live in the same home for more than 10 to 19 years.

Retirement, downsizing or moving to North Carolina or South Carolina are life changes that may require you to sell your current home. No matter your reason for selling, you’ll want to get top dollar for your home from a buyer.

Home pricing can be hard to nail down because of market shifts and the uniqueness of each home. As a Wilmington and Hilton Head home builder, we’ve complied some tricks of the trade to boost your home’s resale value.

Complete Repairs Before Listing

Spend time getting your home move-in ready so that it appeals to a range of potential buyers. Nobody wants to feel they are buying a home with problems or a big list of needed repairs and updates. Use your real estate agent as a resource to prioritize your repairs into must-haves and lower-priority tasks.

Update Fixtures and Finishes

Buyers are looking for fixtures and finishes that are in line with today’s trends. Neutral tones and tastefully updated spaces will always sell a home more quickly than décor that is outlandish or stuck in the ‘80s. Lighting, plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware are great places to start and can make big impacts.

Inviting Front Entry

First impressions are big with buyers. Make sure your home’s exterior and front entry are welcoming. This will set the stage for a successful viewing and create an overall impression for the rest of your home. Pressure wash the driveway and sidewalks. Prune overgrown trees and shrubs, and freshen up their beds with mulch or pine straw. Potted plants and cozy seating with mix-and-match décor can give your space a creative, comfortable and relaxed feel.

Consider Professional Cleaning and Staging

Buyers want to visualize their families in your home, so it’s important to eliminate or reduce reminders of your family during showings. Declutter and depersonalize by storing family photos, memorabilia or trinkets out of sight. Repair or clean carpet or walls damaged by pets or kids. Consider a professional cleaning company to get your home sparkle.

Once these tasks are complete, your home can be staged to appeal to a wide range of buyers. There is a wide array of staging options, from DIY to full-service staging. A good middle of the road option is partial home staging, where professionals reimagine and rearrange your own furniture and décor. You could also hire a professional staging company to make recommendations so you can handle the staging yourself.

Wilmington & Hilton Head Home Builder

As a Wilmington and Hilton Head home builder, we specialize in helping families downsize and relocate to the coastal Carolinas. We’ve helped thousands of people realize their dream homes. Our custom homes in Hilton Head and Wilmington offer luxury coastal living that fits your style and needs. We have a reputation for constructing highly livable, quality homes. If you are looking to build a custom home in Hilton Head or Wilmington, contact us today to discover the possibilities!