As the holiday season comes to a close and the New Year begins, many homeowners are looking to make a fresh start, and for some, that means putting their property on the market. If you’re considering selling your home in 2024, now is the perfect time to start preparing. To help you get a head start and make your property stand out in the early-year listings, we’ve put together this guide with expert advice from AARE Real Estate. In this article, we’ll focus on two essential aspects: decluttering and planning for early-year listing photos.
Declutter Your Space
One of the first steps in preparing your home for the market is to declutter. Over the holiday season, it’s easy for items to accumulate, and your home may look a bit chaotic. Decluttering not only makes your property more appealing to potential buyers but also helps you start the new year with a clean slate. Here’s how to tackle it:
Start Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to declutter your home. Give yourself ample time to sort through your belongings. Create a schedule that allows you to tackle one room at a time, making the process more manageable.
Room-by-Room Approach
Begin with one room and systematically go through each item. Separate your belongings into categories: keep, donate, and discard. The “keep” category should include items that enhance your home’s appeal, while the other two categories will help you clear out space and make your move more manageable.
Be Ruthless
It’s natural to become attached to items with sentimental value, but try to be ruthless in your decluttering. Keep only what’s necessary and what adds value to your home. Potential buyers want to see the space, not your personal belongings.
Organize and Store
For the items you decide to keep, make sure they are well-organized. Invest in storage solutions like bins, shelves, and cabinets to create a neat and tidy appearance. This will not only help in showcasing your home but also in day-to-day living.
Deep Clean
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time for a deep clean. Hire professionals or do it yourself, but ensure every nook and cranny is spotless. Cleanliness is crucial in creating a positive impression on potential buyers.
Planning for Early-Year Listing Photos
In today’s digital age, first impressions are often made online through listing photos. The quality of your listing photos can significantly impact the number of potential buyers interested in your property. To capture your home’s best angles and features, follow these steps:
Hire a Professional Photographer
While smartphone cameras have come a long way, nothing beats the skill and equipment of a professional photographer. Invest in a reputable photographer who specializes in real estate photography. They will know how to make your property look its best.
Timing is Key
Plan your photo session strategically. Early-year photos can be a great advantage, as they allow you to capture your home in natural light without the harsh glare of the summer sun. An overcast day can provide soft, even lighting that highlights your home’s features.
Staging Matters
Before the photoshoot, make sure your home is properly staged. Arrange furniture, decor, and lighting to create an inviting atmosphere. A well-staged home will not only look better in photos but will also be more appealing to potential buyers during showings.
Exterior Shots
Don’t forget the exterior of your home. Curb appeal is essential, and it’s the first thing potential buyers will see in your online listing. Ensure your yard is well-maintained, and consider adding some seasonal flowers or greenery to make your home more inviting.
Edit and Enhance
After the photos are taken, it’s essential to edit and enhance them to ensure they showcase your property in the best possible way. This includes adjusting exposure, color balance, and cropping as needed. Your photographer or a professional editor can assist with this.
Online Listings
Once you have your stunning photos ready, ensure they are showcased on reputable real estate websites such as AARE. Write compelling descriptions that highlight your home’s key features, and be responsive to inquiries from potential buyers.
