Preparing Your Home For sale- You only get one chance at a first impression. The front door greets the prospect so make it fresh and clean. Be sure the porch is free of pine needles and that the front door is clean and shining. Have lawns and landscaping trimmed and neat with the yard free of refuse. Make it as if you are seeing it for the first time, for truly, that is how the prospective buyers are seeing your home.
- Think and feel, light and bright. Do everything to brighten the inside. Open the curtains and blinds to show off how cheerful your home can be...and don’t forget to clean windows. Turn on lights to make it feel warm and inviting. Do not let faded wall and woodwork reduce the appeal of your home. A coat of fresh paint can bring a quicker sale and a higher price.
- Bathrooms and kitchens sell homes. Keep counter tops clear and be sure to make these rooms sparkle. Replace chrome burner plates on the range. Re-caulk tub & showers. Be sure these rooms smell fresh.
- Create a feeling of space. Areas look bigger by getting rid of items you are not using, knick knacks from end tables and coffee tables. Those items that you are using keep well organized. Remove any excess furniture in your rooms to show off your floor plan to the advantage. Pack excess linens and clothing to make the closets look bigger. Neat, well-ordered closets show the space is ample.
- Pets create allergies for some people and can even frighten others. Keep pets out of the way, preferably out of the house.
- Repairs can make a big difference. It is most important to do these things now and get the benefit of enhanced appeal to buyers. Since buyers tend to every flaw, minor repairs performed now will help prevent delays in the sale of your home later. The dollars you spend will repay you many folds. This may even speed up the sale of your because the most buyer activity is when the home is first on the market.
- Family Commitment. Be sure to set up a cleaning maintenance plan with your family. Everyone can participate in keeping the house clean and often enjoy contributing to the family chores.
- Remove any attached items that are not included in the sale of your home, such as special chandeliers, wall units, shelving, or plants.
- Leave. Most buyers will not relax and closely inspect a home if the owners are present, so try to plan to turn the home over to the salesperson. If you must remain at home, give the buyers as much privacy as possible. Buyers are often uncomfortable speaking in front of the owners. They will talk more freely if you can make yourself scarce.
