How to Turn Your Home Listing Into a Bidding War Bonanza

If you’re getting ready to list your home, you want to know you’ll get multiple offers and sign a contract as soon as possible. To interest potential buyers, spend some time sprucing up your home’s curb appeal. We’ll show you which areas of your home to focus on and what improvements buyers are looking for.

Landscaping

Mowing the lawn regularly and edging along the sidewalks and driveways go a long way toward improving the overall look of your property. If you have shrubs or hedges, keep them neatly trimmed and well-kept so they don’t grow into walkways, sidewalks, or driveways.

Depending on when you list your home, plant colorful flowers or shrubs to catch the eyes of potential buyers. For bonus points, spread fresh mulch to make the flowerbeds look tidy.

Front Door and Entryway

Make potential buyers feel welcome by improving the porch or front door. You can do this by painting the front door a bold, eye-catching color, updating the hardware for a modern look, setting out a new welcome mat, and placing potted plants near the door.

If you have seating, place new outdoor cushions or rugs in the space so it’s inviting.

Exterior Cleaning

Spend an afternoon powerwashing the siding, walkways, driveway, and porch to remove dirt, debris, and mildew. Now’s also a good time to climb up and clean the gutters and downspouts. If any are coming loose, refasten them so they don’t look neglected.

If you have screens over the windows, remove them and clean the windows. Don’t forget to clean the interior side of the windows so they sparkle.

Painting and Touch-Ups

You don’t have to paint the entire exterior of your home, but you should walk around and touch up peeling or faded paint on the trim, shutters, or siding. Don’t forget to repaint the garage door if the paint is cracking or peeling between the panels.

Potential homebuyers are on the lookout for repairs they’ll have to do, so present your home in its best possible shape.

Lighting

Strategic landscape lighting along walkways or under trees goes a long way in making your home appear charming and attractive. If you have a large porch or entryway, consider installing a bold pendant light to draw potential buyers to the door.

Mailbox and House Numbers

A crooked mailbox and tiny house numbers aren’t helping you. Install a new mailbox if it’s rusty, faded, or outdated, and update your house numbers. Potential buyers want to see large numbers that are clearly visible from the street.

Fencing and Gates

You might not mind a fence that doesn’t latch all the way, but it might turn off a potential buyer. Take some time to repair fence or gate damage. For instance, you might install a new latch, replace missing or broken pickets, or oil squeaky hinges. Just don’t forget to touch up the paint when you’re done!

Driveway and Walkways

Fix cracks or uneven spots in your driveway or walkways to minimize tripping hazards and make your property look well-cared for. Consider adding a decorative border with bricks, stones, or crushed gravel to define your walkway and add texture.

Do you have oil spots in the driveway? Use degreaser and a steel brush to scrub out the stains.

Roof and Chimney

The roof’s condition is a big sticking point for most buyers, so replace missing shingles and get the roof professionally cleaned if it’s discolored. If you live in a wet region, you may need to clear moss off the roof, too.

If you have a chimney, check that there are no missing bricks and patch the mortar as needed.

Seasonal Decor (Optional)

This last tip only applies if you like to stay on top of seasonal trends. For instance, hanging a fall wreath or pumpkins can make your house stand out in autumn, while tasteful twinkle lights can brighten the space in the winter.

If you’re staging your home or hiring a professional, work with them to display your home to its best advantage.

The Bottom Line

Depending on your home’s age and condition, it might take a little time to spruce it up before listing it. That said, investing in your home’s appearance, researching the local housing market, and listing your home slightly below local comparable listings can encourage multiple offers.

If you’re unsure where to start or you’re strapped for time, contact professionals who can walk you through the listing, staging, and selling process.