Preparing Your Home
With buyers, first impressions count! A small investment in time and money can give your home an edge over other listing. The two best things you can do to get your home sold it to clean and paint. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, it is the best investments you will make. A clean house is a must. Ensure everything from floors to ceiling is spotless. Remember neutral paint colors are always best. Here are some other tips to get the top market value for your home.
Curb Appeal
· Cut lawns and trim shrubs
· Fertilize lawn if necessary
· Weed and edge
· Pick up around the yard, this includes litter, toys, tools, etc.
· Clear walk and driveways of leaves or snow
· Repair gutters and eaves
· Touch up exterior paint
The Buying Atmosphere
Make sure to set the scene and make the most of that first impression. Fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, or a beautiful picture can make a world of difference and make your house feel like a home.
· Clean and tidy entrance, make it feel warm and inviting. Add a plant or a fresh coat of paint
· Be absent during showings
· Turn on all lights including outside lights in the evening
· Replace any burnt out bulbs with brighter ones
· Open drapes
· In cooler weather light fireplace
· Play quiet background music
· Eliminate any unappealing smells from pets, smoke, food, etc.
· Light a nice smelling candle or bake a pie
· Try to remove pets from the property during all showings, or at least have them outside or in a kennel
General Maintenance
· Oil squeaky doors
· Polish and tighten doorknobs and hardware
· Clean windows and tracks
· Touch up chipped paint
· Repair cracked plaster
· Repair leaking taps and toilets
Make room for space
Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They are looking for storage space, too. Make sure attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items. The better organized a closet; the larger it appears. Now’s the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity or have a yard sale.
· Clear stairs and hallways
· De-clutter as much as possible, put away small kitchen appliances and miscellaneous items on countertops and tables
· Ensure closets and cupboards are neat and tidy
· Store excess furniture, ornaments and pictures; buyers should be allowed to imagine their belongings in the home and you want the house to look as spacious as possible.
Spic and Span
CLEAN! CLEAN! CLEAN!
Bathrooms and kitchens sell homes; so let them shine. For added allure, display your best towels, mats, shower curtains, china, etc.
· Shampoo carpets if necessary
· Clean furnace and vents
· Clean fridge, stove, washer and dryer
· Eliminate any dust or cobwebs
· Make the kitchen and bathrooms sparkle
Have a successful home showing!