Everyone who puts their home on the market wants the same thing...to sell as fast as they can for as much as they can.  Some people are so motivated, in fact, that they spend thousands of dollars renovating the home before listing it.  However, not everyone wants to invest all of that money in a home they are trying to sell.  For most of us, we want to spend as little as possible to get our home in top-top shape.  The good news is that there are plenty of tried and true tricks for reducing your home’s time on the market that won’t put a dent in your bank account.  Here are four budget friendly ways to help your house sell quickly.

Declutter

If you want to win over the hearts of potential buyers you want to create a pleasing environment that is free of clutter.  Now is the perfect time to get a head start on some of your packing and also make a few extra bucks having a yard sale.  Take some time to go through each room in the house getting rid of any unwanted items.  You can also start packing up any items that you don’t use on a regular basis.  Pay particular attention to clutter magnets like kitchen and bathroom counters, fireplace mantels, laundry room shelves, closets, tabletops, and night stands.  Remember that your buyers want a home that offers plenty of storage, so crowded closets can give buyers the wrong impression.  You also don’t want them to be distracted by all of the stuff in your house.  Take down personal photos and leave bookshelves and walls neat and tidy.  

Clean, Clean, Clean

We all know that buyers want to walk into a clean home, but its time you took cleaning to a whole new level.  You’ve got to think about what buyers are looking for…a home that is well-cared for.  Therefore, it’s important to make even the smallest details shine.   Make sure your windows and doors are squeaky clean.  Get on your hands and knees and scrub baseboards and grout lines.  Dust your fan blades and blinds.  Clean out all of the crevices in your bathroom.  Pressure wash the driveway and walkways.  You want your house to look and smell clean from the moment a buyer walks in. 

Rearrange the Furniture

Once you have gotten all of the clutter out of the way and given your home a good clean, it’s time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.  Is your home inviting buyers to come in and take a seat? Can buyers walk freely through your home without bumping into furniture?  Does your home provide places for cozy conversation?  If not, it’s time to move some furniture around.  Oftentimes, rooms are arranged in way that is practical for the owner.  For instance, furniture might be moved against the walls to provide play space for small children.  Or, it might be arranged so that the homeowners can easily see the TV.  However, buyers want to walk into a space that invites warmth and conversation. Your recliner might be practical and comfortable, but it’s not exactly inviting a conversation.  Start by putting bulky pieces in storage and pulling furniture away from the walls. Arrange the furniture in a way that makes the room look larger and creates a more open flow. 

Set the Tables

Staging is way to entice buyers by allowing them to envision their own life in your home.  An easy way to stage your home is to dress up your tables.  Pay close attention to kitchen and dining room tables.  Break out your best china and set the dining room table with neutral linens.  You might even add a little seasonal flair.  Light a couple of candles for added ambiance.  In the kitchen, something as simple as a fresh bouquet of flowers can go a long way.  Wow your buyers by sampling setting your tables.