Preparing Your Home To Sell
With buyers, first impressions count. They will make a decision within the first five seconds of entering your home whether it’s for them. So you have to grab them right away and be sure there are no negatives to distract them.
A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your house is beautiful…have someone else come in and give you candid feedback about what they see…then listen to them and follow their suggestions. It will pay off with a top dollar offer.
Here are some suggestions that will help you to get top market value. Be sure to maintain this list the entire time your home is on the market for showings.
Curb Appeal
• Cut lawns• Trim shrubs and lawns
• Weed and edge gardens
• Pick up any litter
• Clear walk and driveway of leaves
• Repair gutters and eaves
• Touch up exterior paint
The First Impression
• Clean and tidy exterior and entrance• New welcome Mat
• Functional doorbell
• Polish door hardware
• Fresh colorful flowers in pots
General Maintenance
• Oil squeaky doors• Tighten doorknobs
• Replace burned out lights
• Clean and repair windows
• Touch up chipped paint
• Repair cracked plaster
• Repair leaking taps and toilets
Spic and Span
• Shampoo carpets• Clean washer, dryer, showers and tubs
• Clean furnace
• Clean kitchen thoroughly (fridge, stove, etc.)
• Clean and freshen bathrooms (keep them clean)
• Wash windows
Depersonalize For A Spacious Look
This is very important because you want potential buyers to view it as their potential home.• Pre-pack family photos, sports trophies, etc. (these items brand the home as yours and shatter their vision of owning it for themselves)
• Pre-pack knick knack collections
• Clear stairs and halls of clutter
• Store excess furniture (this makes the home appear more open and spacious)
• Clear kitchen and bath counters
• Remove all refrigerator magnets
• Make closets neat and tidy (pack away out-of-season clothing)
The Buying Atmosphere
• Vacuum floors• Hide personal hygiene items in bathrooms
• Be absent during showings
• Turn on all lights
• Open drapes in the day time
• Play quiet background music
• Keep pets outdoors
