When you are about to sell your home you want to improve your chances of selling it quickly and at the price you want. Here are some tips to get your home prepared for the scrutiny of potential homebuyers.
- Remove clutter and personal items from around the house. You want as much open space as possible, potential buyers will be making mental notes on where they'd put their belongings and if your home feels "claustrophobic" then they may feel it's too small for their needs. You remove personal items (photos, trophies, mementos, etc.) because as a potential buyer is thinking where their belongings would go you don't want them to feel as if they are displacing yours. Make your home neutral ground so that a visitor feels like they are viewing their future home and not trespassing on someone else's.
- Don't put clutter or personal belongings in drawers or closets, in fact clean out those areas as much as possible and put your stuff in storage. Visitors will be opening these areas and if they don't think there's enough room for your belongings then they won't think there's enough for theirs.
- Spend money on needed repairs but not on expensive remodeling. You won't recoup your investment and you don't want large purchases showing up on your credit cards when you go to apply for a loan on your next home.
- Does the carpeting need replacing or just professional cleaning? If it needs replacing then have inexpensive carpeting of a neutral color installed.
- Is the paint on your home (inside as well as outside) in good shape? If it's faded, peeling or an outdated color then you should put on a fresh coat of paint that blends in with other homes in your neighborhood.
- Are there pet or cigarette odors in your home? If so then have then the carpeting and furniture cleaned or use carpet and furniture powders designed to control these odors. Be careful of strong scents such as potpourris since some people are allergic and it may appear too obvious that you're trying to cover up odors.
- Make sure everything is clean, shiny and in good working order. Visitors will poke into everything; dirty wall switches, squeaky doors and stuck cabinet drawers will detract from your home's appeal.
- Keep your lawns mowed and trimmed. Lawn mowers and yard tools should be neatly stored in your garage or storage shed.
If you have questions or need help getting your home into showcase condition, please let me know.
Steve Vitani
Power Realty, LLC
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