If you’re ready to sell a house, of course you want to make the most money off the sale as possible. A buyer decides very quickly whether they’re interested in a property, sometimes before they get through the door. There are a few simple things you can do to up the value of your property without breaking the bank.

3 Things You Should Do Before You Sell a House

1. Remove Distinct Elements

When you’ve lived in a house for many years, you’ve probably changed some things and made them your own. You’ve painted your daughter’s bedroom bright pink or installed pink and green linoleum in the kitchen. While these touches might have sentimental value, they can make it difficult to sell your home. Often when people see features like this, they have trouble imagining themselves in the house because it’s not a design choice they would have made. Even worse, they’ll remember the house as “the one with the hot pink bedroom.” You might be blind to these elements of your home, so go through with a friend and ask them what would distract them if they were buying the house. You’ll fare better if you try to sell a house that lacks distinct features.

2. Pay Attention to the Landscaping

Landscaping is often the first thing prospective buyers see as they pull up for the showing. You want their attention to be focused on the house, not paying attention to overgrown shrubs or dead plants in the flowerbed. It’s easy to forget to trim your trees, but they can even block the view of your house as buyers drive up. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and add some new mulch to the flowerbeds.

3. Declutter & Depersonalize

A simple, very inexpensive way to increase the value of your home is to prepare well for your open house. A good way to know how clean it should be is by imagining your mother-in-law or boss is showing up for dinner. In addition, make sure to remove personal items from the home. Family photos in particular can make it so people can’t envision themselves in the house.

If you’re looking to sell a house, turn to the real estate professionals at Bridge City Realty, LLC in Chattanooga, TN. They’ll guide you through the process of putting your house up for sale for a competitive price. They work one on one with their clients and see them as more than just a sale. Visit their website to learn more or call (423) 648-6242 to schedule an appointment.