Selling a home is a huge decision, and that’s doubly true if you decide to do it on your own. But there are nearly half a million For Sale By Owner transactions made each year, and there’s nothing setting you apart from countless others. 

But whether you decide to sell a home yourself or find a professional to assist, there are a few small things that you can do to make sure your home leaves a big impression.

1. Invest, But Do So Smartly

While it might not make sense to invest in your home right before selling it, smart moves that improve its appeal can actually produce outsized returns on your investment. Just be sure that you spend your money smartly. Before making any big renovation, be sure to evaluate exactly how much you need to recoup to make it worth your time and money. Prioritize the important things so you don’t end up piling up debts for the sake of making your home sellable.

1. Focus on the Kitchen

A kitchen can make or break a home, and an exceptional kitchen can do the heavy lifting of really improving your home’s value. If you’re doing any renovations, the kitchen should be your priority. As with anything, be smart with your changes. A couple of nice appliances or new countertops can really highlight the appeal of a kitchen without requiring a huge expenditure.

1. Use a For Sale Sign

While there are more online tools available than ever before, For Sale signs are still incredibly effective sales tools. They cost nothing more than the cardboard they’re printed on but offer free advertising to anyone who happens to drive by.

1. Spread Your Net Wide

There are a lot of options for getting your house on national and regional listings, but never underestimate the power of social media. Facebook and Instagram can be surprisingly effective ways to spread the word about your house, and deals close quicker on average when they’re between two parties who know each other.

1. Get Rid of Pets and Kids

Your main job with an open house is to create an environment where prospective buyers can project themselves into the house. That’s harder to do with kid’s toys and dog bowls lying around. And by getting rid of the pets, you’re already reducing the risk of triggering the perfect buyer’s allergies.

1. Clean Thoroughly

It can sometimes be hard to be objective about the cleanliness of your place. That’s why it’s important to not cut any corners. Take a good hard look at your home, try to imagine it from the perspective of a buyer, and clean it thoroughly. Ideally, find a professional cleaning service to create the perfect feel.

1. Be Tidy But Not Threadbare

Making rooms look as big as possible is crucial, but you also need to create some sense of perspective to make them appealing. Keep cabinets, drawers, and closets half full and neatly organized. It will create a better sense of space and provide the most appealing look for buyers.

1. Make it Impersonal

You may be happy with your home, but that isn’t necessarily going to be a selling point. Remove personal effects like family mementos, children’s drawings, or photographs. It helps buyers picture themselves in the house if they aren’t looking at someone else’s family vacation.

1. Maximize Your Lighting

Lighting is another thing that can really help you maximize the space in your home and create the best perspective possible. Bright bulbs can create a more open and inviting environment, and smartly arranging movable lighting can really change up the look of a space.

1. Opt For a Video Tour

Managing home tours can be a full-time job if you don’t have an agent, but that’s what makes video tours so special. They take out most of the labor while still presenting users with a way to size up the property. 

These tips for selling your home are a good start, but they won’t tell you everything you need to know. A good partner like Homelister can provide you with all the resources you need to sell your property like a pro.