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Five basic must dos to prepare you home to sell fast!

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Gateway 0225196320

We all know that buyers are everywhere. When buyers want to buy they buy and when sellers want to sell they sell. The key word is WANT! So if you are ready to sell you home then keep reading. We also know that buyers first see your home on the internet so your home must be seen at its very best!  As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.  The internet photos will tell the story of your home. So here are the five basic must dos before pictures are taken and your home is on the market!

1.  Cleaning and De-cluttering.  This is really important and very inexpensive. Since you are moving anyway, start de-cluttering and packing up all personal items and extras around the House.  de-clutter shelves, counter-tops, closets, pantries, dressers... After removing all the extras and personal items, then CLEAN until the house sparkles. That means to clean everything from top to bottom and from kitchens to bathrooms!  Steam clean carpets and fix creaky floors.  A clean carpet helps to eliminate bad or stale odors! Clean and clutter free kitchens work wonders in photos!  YIKES!  This kitchen is cluttered and stressful. You don't want a photo like this on the internet!

2. Lighten and brighten.  Clean all the windows inside and out!  Replace or simply remove old curtains, shades or blinds. If they are in good shape keep them open or up so that nothing blocks the light from the windows. Simple updated lighting fixtures are a must!

3.  Stage it Right.  Rearrange furniture in a conversational way without buyers seeing the back of the furniture. Use only a few accessories and furnishings to enhance the room. Remember that less is more.  Bring the outdoors in and keep it simple.

4.  Fix what's broken.  Fix leaks under the sink, remove any mildew stains, ensure plumbing is in good working condition.  Fix lights or outlets that don't work.  Replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.  All of this goes a long way when it comes to the home inspection process.  It is less costly for you to have it fixed rather than a professional electrician.

5.  Enhance the exterior.  Enhance the home's curb appeal in the front and back yard by adding fresh dark mulch. Clean up the edges of gardens and sidewalks. Ensure current plants and grass are well cared for and manicured. Use seasonal flowers and bushes for color. Remove any dead plants, flowers, or tree branches. Clean the front entrance of cob webs and bugs!  Add a new door mat.

 

I sure hope these tips will get you started on preparing to sell your home!

Call me!  Together we can get your home sold!  703-819-4776

Comments (47)

Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Love the fast and simple tips to get ready for a quick sale Marcia. It works!

Nov 08, 2013 10:45 AM
Brian DeYoung
also affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Heritage Realty - Ithaca, NY
The Realtor with personal investment background

Clear the clutter. 

My rule, generallly no more than three items on a flat surface.

Nov 08, 2013 10:53 AM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

These are great tips on preparing a home for sale and they are not expensive., but very important.

Nov 08, 2013 10:57 AM
Kelly Young
The Platinum Group Realtors - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126

Clean is so important that I think even if there is a lot of furniture it can be overcome sometimes with a clean, well cared for (maintained) home.  Great liist for sellers to keep in mind when listing their home for sale.

Nov 08, 2013 10:59 AM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M
Marcia - Thee are great basics to get a home prepared for sale.
Nov 08, 2013 03:14 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Greatness... may I re-blog? 

Nov 08, 2013 03:54 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Although I may have these tips already on my page in another blog in another form.

Nov 08, 2013 03:55 PM
Rosie Crow
Serving Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, Missouri City - Sugar Land, TX
Exceeding Expectations. Delivering Results
Great tips especially #4. If you don't fix the minor issues, buyers will think you'll ignore the major issues as well. Once a buyer is distracted, you've pretty much lost them.
Nov 08, 2013 04:00 PM
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Fabulous, concise, and accurate list of 5 ways to get your home ready to sell! 

Nov 08, 2013 08:35 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Marcia, excellent tips every seller should know before placing their home on the market.

Nov 08, 2013 09:06 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Great tips, Marcia. If every seller woulld follow those simple tips they would be light years ahead when they list. Nice to see another great Virginian on AR. 8-)

Nov 08, 2013 10:00 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Thank you for sharing these great tips. Have a good weekend.

Nov 08, 2013 10:15 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

The eye is always looking for its entertainment....This post supports that

Nov 08, 2013 10:25 PM
Tracy Oliva
West USA Realty - Arizona - Fountain Hills, AZ
The Oliva Team Arizona Agents

Good morning and this is some great Info for all in the business,  keep up the good work and good luck with your sales,  E

Nov 08, 2013 10:25 PM
Richard Iarossi
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Crofton, MD
Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate

Marcia,

When in doubt, we always go back to the fundamentals. If those aren't done, not much else matters.

Rich

Nov 08, 2013 10:26 PM
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

Great one!

Nov 08, 2013 10:50 PM
Bill and MaryAnn Wagner
Wagner Real Estate Group - Ocean City, NJ
Jersey Shore and South Jersey Real Estate
Excellent points for sellers to follow Marcia. Relatively simple things that if followed can make an enormous difference.
Nov 08, 2013 11:13 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTORĀ®, Broker

Great information thanks for sharing.  Great information if only those sellers would follow.

Nov 08, 2013 11:14 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

This is so true, and most of those five must-dos are inexpensive to do.  Decluttering, adding plants, cleaning, fixing things, make such a difference in the presentation of your home, and really don't have to cost a lot.

Nov 09, 2013 12:12 AM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Very good tips Marcia, I will share these often with a few people who need them.

Nov 09, 2013 02:46 PM