Preparing Your Home For Sale
Remember that you'll never get another chance to make a first impression. Follow these simple tips and create the competitive edge that may help you sell your home more quickly.
- Curb Appeal
- Trim trees and shrubs, clean out flower beds and invest in a few flats of seasonal flowers, paint the front door, make sure doorbell is working properly, wash the mailbox, Yard and patio should be neat; outdoor furniture should be clean and in good shape, keep the porch swept and get an attractive mat for people to wipe their feet.
- Absolute Basics
- Start by airing out the home. Most people are turned off by even the smallest odor. Odors must be eliminated, especially those caused by dogs and cats; soiled diapers and/or cigarettes.
- Wash all the windows in the home, inside and out.
- If it has been over a year since the carpets have been cleaned, now is the time to have them cleaned. Bare floors should also be waxed or polished.
- Clean out closets, cabinets and drawers. Closets should look like they have enough room to hold additional items.
- Check all doors, windows and cabinets to make sure they don't stick, squeak or are too loose.
- Keep the kitchen sparking clean. Make sure all appliances are clean at all times. Straighten cupboards that appear cluttered.
- Bath tubs, showers and sinks should be freshly caulked. The grout should be clean and in good condition.
- A few more suggestions
- Keep children's toys out of the front yard, sidewalks and front porch.
- Clean the ashes out of the fireplace.
- The pool needs to be sparking and free of leaves.
- Clean your furnace and water heater so buyers know they are looking at a house that has been well maintained.
- For those willing to do a little extra
- There are some things you can do that will really add flair to your home. If your house is the least bit dated, removing wallpaper in the entry, kitchen or bathrooms and replacing outdated light fixtures adds desirability.
- Fresh paint on interior and/or exterior where needed.
- Showing your home
- When you leave the house in the morning or during the day, leave it as if you know it is going to be shown.
- Keep good scents in the house, such as potpourri or simmering pots or candles.
- Keep pets out of the way - preferably out of the house. Many people are uncomfortable around some animals and may even be allergic to them.
- Leave your premises. Take a short break while your home is being shown. Buyers are intimidated when sellers are present and tend to hurry through the house.
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