If you’ve decided you want to sell your home and move onto something or somewhere else you will need to prepare your home for sale. It would be best to do these before listing your home so that when that first person that is home shopping walks through your front door, you and your home are 100% ready for them.
Whether you are preparing for an Open House or just want your home to show at its best, it is necessary to view it from the eyes of a buyer. Money spent in this area could very well result in increased profits as well as a faster sale. Before potential buyers even see what your home has to offer, they view its exterior. As a result, a cluttered home or an unattractive view of the outside of the home (curb appeal) could potentially result in a missed opportunity.
First Impressions: An inviting exterior insures inspection of the interior. Keep your lawn mowed and edged, flowerbeds weeded, and the yard free and clear of trash and toys, etc.
Paint Now For a Faster Sale: Faded walls and worn woodwork are just depressing. A coat of paint in a neutral color will make your home look great and a quicker sale at a higher price may result.
A Clean Home is a Happy Home: Bright, cheery windows without spots and unmarred walls will assist your sale. Check locally for a window cleaning company to come and aid you.
Fix That Faucet: Dripping water discolors the enamel and calls attention to faulty plumbing. If you neglected that then what else might you have neglected, the home shopper will ask. Hire a local handyman!
A Day With the Carpenter: Loose doorknobs, sticking drawers and warped cabinet doors are noticed by the prospect. Have them fixed.
Spacious Closets Matter: Clothes properly hung, shoes, hats and other articles neatly placed, will make your closets appear adequate. Remove half of what is in any closet then pack and store them off site.
Kitchens Get Scrutinized: Have the appliances shining inside and out. Clear off the countertops and make the cupboards look spacious by removing excess items.
Spotless Bathrooms: Bright and clean bathrooms sell many homes. Keep toilet lids down and everything sparkling. Keep things off the countertops.
Light Up The House: People like light, especially natural light. They want to walk in the front door and see daylight shining in (if it’s daytime). Open the curtains and pull up the blinds in all the rooms. For evening showings, turn the front porch in light on and all of them in every room and hallway.
Be Aware of Odors: People will linger in a fresh, pleasant smelling home. Stale air or bad odors, make them want to get out and can ruin the sale. Ask your Realtor to critique the smell of your home.
Trust Your Realtor: Do not discuss price, terms, possession or other factors with friends and neighbors. Refer them to your Realtor. As the seller, most anything you say could compromise your position. As a third party, a Realtor can better bring the negotiation to a favorable conclusion.
We’re confident that if you follow these tips on how to prepare your home for sale before you list, your home will be ready for that first family that comes to see it with hopes that it’s the dream home they’ve been searching for.