Helpful Hints For Selling Your Home
Getting your home "ready for market" may seem overwhelming. We can advise you on what's necessary and what's not. You should focus on what the prospective buyer will see. Remember that the first impression is a lasting impression. The following are items you should concentrate on:
Grounds & Landscaping:
- Lawns mowed, leaves cleared, and bushes trimmed.
- Flower beds neat and weeded.
- Gutters and downspouts cleaned of debris and leaves.
- Gutters and downspouts must be in good repair.
- Windows should be clean and screens in good repair.
- Curbside should be free of cars, debris and should be inviting in appearance.
- Exterior paint on the house should be in good condition and in a color that does not detract from the home's appearance.
Interior:
- Entry door must be clean; pay attention to the door bell and/or knocker also. Replace broken doorbell buttons.
- Keep your home as light and airy as possible. Open drapes and blinds before each showing and turn on lights and lamps throughout the home.
- All floors should be freshly mopped or vacuumed and clean of debris, toys, etc.
Kitchen:
- Must be spotless!!!
- Floors mopped or vacuumed.
- All cabinets and countertops clean and uncluttered.
- All appliances must be clean, even if they are not staying with the home.
- Clean light fixtures, hood fan and exhaust.
- Empty trash can.
- Having something that smells wonderful baking is a great help, such as bread or cookies.
Bathroom:
- Should be spotless!
- Floors should be clean.
- Tile and grout must be free of soap and mildew.
- Clean the faucets and the mirror.
- Clean light fixture.
Remainder of house:
- All closets should be clean and neat. The fewer items in a closet, the larger the appearance.
- Light fixtures are clean with no burned out bulbs.
- Repair non-working light switches and broken outlets. Put outlet covers on any electrical outlets without covers.
- Tighten loose cabinet and door knobs, and oil squeaking hinges with WD-40 or similar product.
- Clean any carpeting needing it.
- Play soft inviting music throughout the home.
- Remove pets from the home, put into the yard, or keep them out of the way if they are overly social. Cats that hide are not a problem.
- Make sure the home does not have any pet smells, dirty litter boxes, dirty cages, or droppings in the yard. Scoop litter boxes daily.
- Remember, prospective buyers use 4 of their senses. Sight, smell, touch, and hearing.
Ask a neighbor, relative, or friend to walk through your house and give you feedback on what a prospective buyer might see or think. Do not show your home if it is not ready. Reschedule for a more convenient time.
For your safety:
- Do not conduct an open house on your own.
- Never show your home by yourself.
- If you are suspicious of someone DO NOT let them into your home.
- Secure your valuables before an open house or appointment.
- Last but not least....
HAVE FUN!!!!
Relax and enjoy the experience. Do NOT hover too close to visitors or talk too much. Do not be offended if a prospective buyer doesn't like your choice of color for the carpets, wants to change light fixtures or remove your wallpaper. Your object is to get your home sold. If they buy the home and make changes it doesn't matter.
