If you're ready to swap your home for a new space, one of the first things you should do is prepare your house to put on the market. It can be tricky deciding what items you should overlook and which tasks can potentially bring a higher price for your space. Keep reading for your guide to preparing your home to put on the market. 

Talk to Your Real Estate Agent Before Completing Major Renovations

One of the first things you should do is discuss with your real estate agent what repairs and renovations make sense for your home. Your agent can assist you with deciding what changes will assist you with getting the best price possible for your home or allow you to sell it faster. Some renovations may have a hefty return, and they can make your house stand out among other properties.

If you're on the fence about competing renovations, discuss with your realtor if it's a better solution to offer a credit for the task in question. For example, if you have flooring that needs to be replaced, you might offer a few thousand dollars to potential buyers to replace the flooring.

Should you opt to offer a credit, you'll give the buyer cash when they close on the purchase of your home. This allows the buyer to customize your home to their specifications while preventing you from having to go through the hassle of completing the task yourself. 

Make Sure Your House Is Clean and in Working Order

One of the easiest things you can do to prepare your home to sell is give it a thorough cleaning. Regardless of their condition, clean homes tend to sell faster and bring in more money than their dirty counterparts. If you struggle with cleaning-related tasks, consider hiring an experienced house cleaner to complete a one-time deep cleaning to ready your home for the market.

You also want to check that items in your home are in working order, like faucets, showers, electrical outlets, and heating system. Buyers expect these items to work properly, and it's customary for buyers to request an inspection of your home before closing on the purchase to detect items that are overdue for repairs or simply don't work. 

Don't Forget About the Exterior of Your Home

When sprucing up your home, don't forget about the exterior. A home with curb appeal will sell for more money and sell more rapidly. You don't have to go overboard; a fresh layer of mulch and a few flowers go a long way towards boosting the look of your yard. Make sure that your outside space also appears clean and well-maintained. 

For more information, talk to a real estate agent in your area.