How to Get Your Home Ready to Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Your Sale in Myrtle Beach
You’ve decided it’s time to sell your home in Myrtle Beach—maybe you’re upgrading to a larger house, relocating to a new city, or simply ready for a change. Whatever the reason, selling your home can be exciting, yet overwhelming.
You are probably asking a few of these questions:
- Where do I even start?
- How much is my home worth?
- How long will it take to sell?
- When is the best time to sell my home?
- Do I need to spend money on updating my house?
As a real estate agent in Myrtle Beach, it’s my job to help you through this whole process to make sure your home sells quickly and for a price you are excited about.
There is a lot that goes into selling your house. I’ve seen firsthand how the right preparations can make a huge difference in the sale price, the speed of the sale, and the overall experience.
One thing that I do want to emphasis: when it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything!
When potential buyers walk into your home, they want to picture themselves living there. If your property is neat, inviting, and well-maintained, they’ll be more likely to make an offer—and one that’s closer to your asking price.
Here are some things I recommend you do to get your home ready to sell.
1. How to Sell My Home in Myrtle Beach Faster: Declutter and Depersonalize
When I meet with clients who are looking to sell their home, decluttering and depersonalizing is one of the biggest tasks we tackle before listing their home. This may sound simple, but it’s a step that can have a huge impact on how potential buyers feel about your home when they visit.
Why Declutter?
Buyers want to see the space in your home—not your stuff. Too much clutter can make rooms feel smaller and less inviting, while also distracting buyers from the property’s best features.
Yes, you did a wonderful job decorating your home. However, when putting your house on the market, the best thing you can do is clear out all the “extras” that you will not need for the next 2-3 months.
Everyone has a unique way they choose to decorate, so the best way to get a buyer interested in your home, is to make it as neutral and plain as possible. This will allow them to walk into your home and picture it with all their belongings decorating the space. We want them to have the “this is home” vibe when they view your property.
Here’s how you can start:
- Clear out personal items. Remove family photos, keepsakes, and other items that make the home feel “lived in.” The goal is to allow buyers to imagine their own family in the space, which can be difficult if your personal belongings are in the way.
- Minimize furniture. Consider removing excess furniture to open up the flow of each room. This will help the space feel much bigger for the potential buyer.
- Organize closets. Buyers will be looking inside your closets and storage areas, so keep them neat and organized. The more space you can show, the better. Take it a step further and pack away all the items you will not be needing while the house is on the market.
Pro Tip:
Consider renting a storage unit for items you don’t need while your home is on the market. This will help keep your space clean, tidy, and ready for showings at all times.
Ready to see what that will look like for you? Schedule a time that would be good with your schedule for me to give you a call: Schedule A Call I am excited to see your house!
2. Repairs and Updates to Make Before You Sell My Home
One of my favorite recommendations I have for clients is to do a walk through.
Before we even meet to list your home, I have clients take a walk through and look for any repairs or updates that need attention. When doing this, it’s important to pretend you have never been to your house and walk through with a critical eye on what areas should be addressed before listing your home. While you don’t have to completely remodel your home, making small repairs can really make a difference.
Common Repairs to Focus On:
- Fix leaky faucets
- Touch up paint
- Replace outdated fixtures
Kitchen and Bathroom Updates:
The kitchen and bathrooms are two of the most important areas in any home. These are the spaces that buyers are looking for clean, updated finishes.
Here are a few ideas:
- Kitchen: Replace old appliances with stainless steel models, re-grout tile, or add a fresh coat of paint to cabinets for a quick and affordable update. Cabinet hardware is one of the things that can date a kitchen. Replacing the hardware is not real expensive (compared to fully updating a kitchen) and can make a big impact for buyers.
- Bathroom: Replace dated faucets, re-caulk the bathtub, or install a new shower curtain or liner for a refreshed look.
Pro Tip:
If you’re unsure where to invest your time and money, focus on the areas that buyers will notice first: kitchen, bathrooms, and curb appeal. A little money spent on these spaces can yield a much higher return.
3. Curb Appeal: First Impressions Matter When I Sell My Home in Myrtle Beach
Curb appeal is HUGE. The first thing buyers see is the exterior of your home, and if it’s appealing, they’ll be more inclined to come inside for a closer look.
Here are a few quick fixes that can make a big difference:
- Mow the lawn and trim bushes: A well-maintained yard immediately makes your home look more inviting. Take the time to trim hedges, mow the lawn, and clear any weeds or debris.
- Paint or clean the front door: The front door is the first thing buyers touch when they come to visit, so make sure it looks fresh. A new coat of paint can make a big difference. I have a few recommendations that go well here in the Myrtle Beach market that we can discuss if we work together.
- Add a few plants or flowers: Simple landscaping touches like colorful flowers or potted plants near the front door can brighten up the space and add a welcoming touch. Southland Nursery in Conway is an amazing resource!
- Power wash the exterior: Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate on your siding, driveway, and walkway. A quick pressure wash can make your home look fresh and clean.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget about your home’s lighting! Outdoor lighting is a great way to make your home look more inviting at night. Consider adding a few soft lights along your pathway or near your front door.
Ready to see what that will look like for you? Schedule a time that would be good with your schedule for me to give you a call: Schedule A Call I am excited to see your house!
4. Staging My Home: Making Buyers Fall in Love with the Space
When preparing to sell my home, staging is key. Staging is the art of arranging furniture and decor in a way that highlights your home’s best features while making it feel welcoming and spacious. Many sellers don’t realize that even simple staging can make a huge difference in how quickly their home sells and for how much.
Now, I am not talking about spending money and hiring a professional stager. Our market doesn’t really call for that right now. I am just talking about rearranging your home to help show it in its best possible light.
Tips for Staging Your Home:
- Use neutral colors: Neutral tones like beige, gray, or soft whites appeal to a wider range of buyers. You can add pops of color with accessories like throw pillows or art, but keep the walls and furniture neutral.
- Arrange furniture to create flow: This allows rooms to feel open, spacious, and inviting. Avoid blocking windows or doors. We want to arrange furniture in a way that highlights the room’s best features like if you have a fireplace or beautiful view out the back patio.
- Add mirrors: Placing mirrors strategically in a room can make it feel larger and brighter.
5. How to Sell My Home in Myrtle Beach: Setting the Right Price
Setting the right price for your home is one of the most crucial steps in the selling process. If you price too high, you may scare off potential buyers. Price too low, and you might leave money on the table. This is where my extra expertise comes in as a pricing strategist. I will do all the research for you and share the facts to help you determine what you want to list your home for.
Here’s how to find the sweet spot for pricing your home:
- Market research: Look at similar homes in your area that have recently sold. Compare their size, condition, and location to help you set a competitive price.
- Consider recent trends: Myrtle Beach is a dynamic real estate market, so trends can shift quickly. Work with an experienced local agent to get the most up-to-date market data and guidance.
- Don’t overprice: While it can be tempting to price high to leave room for negotiation, overpricing your home can result in your listing sitting on the market longer, which can lead to price reductions later on. Buyers tend to shy away from homes that have been listed for a long time.
Pro Tip:
I’m always happy to provide a free comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you set the right price for your home. Just reach out to me at 843-790-4450, and I can give you a comprehensive pricing strategy for your home.
Ready to Sell? Let’s Get Your Home on the Market!
Selling a home in Myrtle Beach doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these tips—from decluttering and staging to setting the right price—you can ensure your home stands out in this competitive market. Preparing your home properly will set you up for success.
If you’re ready to sell my home and need expert guidance every step of the way, I’m here to help! Contact me to get started, and let’s make your home-selling experience smooth, profitable, and stress-free.
FAQs About Selling Your Home in Myrtle Beach
1. How long does it take to sell a home in Myrtle Beach?
The average time it takes to sell a home in Myrtle Beach varies depending on the market and your property. For a current market update, visit my page at: Myrtle Beach Beach Market Update.
2. Do I need to hire a real estate agent to sell my home in Myrtle Beach?
Yes! You can. However, working with a local expert can help you navigate the market, negotiate offers, and get the best possible price for your home. If you’re serious about getting top dollar, hiring an agent is highly recommended.
3. What are closing costs when selling my home in Myrtle Beach?
Closing costs when selling a home can include real estate commissions, repairs or credits, title insurance, and other fees. As your agent, I can help you understand these costs and plan accordingly.
Let’s get your house sold!
Ready to see what that will look like for you? Schedule a time that would be good with your schedule for me to give you a call: Schedule A Call I am excited to see your house!