Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
Let's get your home ready to show...ready to sell!
These tips will help your house sell and help get you ready
to move. This may seem like a lot of work now, but when it comes time to
move, you will have a large portion of your home packed and labeled. These
tips will save you a lot of work on moving day and really make your house
appealing to Home Buyers.
- First impressions are important. Make your front entry way
inviting. Clean and put a fresh coat of paint on the front door, if needed. The
front door should be easy to unlock and check the door bell for any needed
repairs or replacements.
- Get rid of clutter. Remove extra items and rearrange
to enhance the space. Remember to clearly label and itemize the boxes as you
pack. It does take a little time, but you will be grateful you did so when it is
time for you to unpack.
- A fresh coat of paint works wonders. Choose a light
neutral color. It will be appealing, make the room appear larger and will
coordinate with almost any buyer's furniture.
- Change the furnace filter and let the furnace circulate the air.
Place cat litter boxes in an area less likely to give off odor and clean daily.
Clean any stains or soil areas from pets.
- Kitchen, one of the most important areas of your home.
Gather all clutter and appliances off the counters tops and refrigerator which
arent used regularly and pack away. This allows for a more roomy, comfortable
and inviting area.
- Keep the bathrooms fresh and clean. Freshen up with a
coat of grout and caulking. Repair any leaky faucets. Pack away any items that
you do not use regularly.
- Clean out the closets. Pack away any thing that is not
used regularly.
- Keep your home well lit. Put bright bulbs in lamps and
ceiling lights. If you have an area in your home that is dark, place a couple of
lamps in the area. Have all drapes, blinds, shades and curtains open.
- Windows, let the sun shine in! Clean windows, clean and
paint doors, trim, polish woodwork.
- Basement, use a dehumidifier to remove musty odors.
Clean cobwebs and organize. Get rid of clutter. Buyers need to see the
foundation.
- Maintain your lawn and plant some bright flowers. Keep
lawns mowed, trim shrubs and remove any debris. Re-sod any needed areas of the
yard. During the winter months remove snow and ice from walkways and steps.
- Leave the home during showings! When the sellers are
home, most buyers feel more reserved and feel like they are invading your
privacy and therefore less likely to spend much time looking at the home. It is
best if you are not at home when the buyer arrives and take pets with you, if
possible.
- It will be worth all the effort! Let your REALTOR® know
when you are finished, so that they can preview your home and prepare a fact
sheet.