You’ve decided you want to sell your home and have signed the necessary paperwork in order for me to represent you. Now its time to get your home ready to be seen by potential buyers!
There are several ways to make your house more saleable, and in turn, receive top dollar. Here are some helpful tips:
- First impressions matter so tidy up the yard. Trimming bushes, cutting grass, clearing weeds and adding a few pots of brightly colored flowers can give your house a great impression as the buyer is walking to the front door.
- Get rid of clutter. Move unnecessary furniture into storage or into the garage. Store out-of-season clothing. Clearing out spaces in rooms and closets can make your home appear larger. Buyers will snoop, so be sure your closets and cabinets are clean and organized.
- Make minor repairs. Items such as torn screens, leaky faucets and drywall cracks can scare away a potential Buyer.
- Maximize the light in your home. After location, good light is the one thing every buyer says they want in a home. Replace any burnt out light bulbs. Take down the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in sunshine. Do what you have to do make your house bright and cheery.
- Make sure the house smells fresh and clean. Open a few windows (if weather permits), clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate odors.
- Keep your home in exceptionally clean condition. Make sure all switch plates, doors and molding are extra clean.
- De-personalize your home. The more personal stuff in your house, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Get rid of a third of your stuff – put it in storage. This includes family photos, memorabilia collections and personal keepsakes.
- Not everybody is a dog or cat lover. Buyers don’t want to walk into your home and see dog bowls, smell the kitty litter or have pet hair stick to their clothes. It gives buyers the impression your house is not clean. And many buyers complain of being allergic to cats and/or dogs simply by knowing an animal lives in the house. Whenever there is a showing scheduled, make sure your furry friends are nowhere to be seen or heard.
I am happy to share additional ideas that will help you prepare for selling your home.
