Preparing Your Home to Sell; Top 10 Things Every Seller Should Do
Selling your home can be a daunting task and many sellers just don't know where to start. Ellen has done an excellent job outlining some of the key things every seller should do in preparing their home to put on the market.
You also may want to have a Realtor come in and give you a critical opinion about preparing your home.
Neutral is always a great start but neutral does not mean white or off white walls. Neutral can also mean odors as well as how your home looks upon entering.
Selling your home can be one of the most stressfull things a homeowner can do. With the right real estate agent and some helpful advice & guidance, the process can be stress free and if you do the right things will net you top dollar. Here are some tips, hints, thoughts and ideas for creating a great first impression and making a house appealing to buyers.
1. DECLUTTER
Almost all of us have clutter in our homes. Before you put your home on the market to sell declutter your ENTIRE home. That includes the basement, garage, ALL closets, pantry and even your shed. You never want to give the impression that you are outgrowing your home. Clear kitchen counters of appliances, school papers and bills, Clear refrigerator and bulletin boards of notes and personal information. If you can rent a storage space andstore all off season items. This is one case where half empty is better than half full.
2. SOMETHING BROKEN OR NEEDS REPAIR?
If there is something in your home that is not working get it fixed. If something is not operational it will come up in a home inspection anyhow. You want to save yourself the time and aggravation later on by addressing these issues prior to putting your home on the market.
3. CLEAN
Make sure that the ENTIRE house, inside and out, is clean. That includes windows & screens, vents, carpets and all major appliances. Don’t overlook the inside of your oven, refrigerator and even dishwasher. Also consider a good power wash to the exterior of your home, patio, deck and walkway.
4. PUT ON A FRESH COAT OF NEUTRAL PAINT.
Heavy traffic areas like stairways and hallways often could use a fresh coat of paint.
If you happen to have a room that’s painted an especially bright color, you want to paint over it with a neutral color. Buyers are likely to either love or hate funky colors. So why risk it. You don’t want buyers to rememeber “the home with the orange room.”
5. LET THERE BE LIGHT.
Make sure all lights are operational. If you do not have a ceiling light in a particular room make sure there is a lamp plugged into the outlet connected to the switch at the door.
6. CURB APPEAL. SPRUCE UP THE FRONT OF YOUR HOME.
A buyers first impression is everything. You want to make sure that the front of your home is clean and well kept. Here are some suggestions for sprucing up the exterior and are sure to provide a great first impression: A fresh coat of paint on your front door. A tasteful seasonal wreath on the front door, flower basket on the porch or hanging flower basket is also a nice touch to welcome the buyer. Make sure to clean address numbers and all paths and walkways are clean and clear of debris.
7. CONSIDER STAGING YOUR HOME.
It’s not always necessary to hire a stager but you may want to consider moving some things around or removing excess furniture. The goal is to make make your rooms look large and have flow.
8. MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR PETS.
If you have dogs and/or cats make sure that you have a plan as to what to do with them when your property is being shown.
9. STAY OFF THE GRASS.
Make sure your lawn and landscaing are manicured and well kept. Water and mow lawn regulary.
10. BE SAFE.
Although theft is unlikely to occur, it is better to be safe than sorry. Make sure that all your personal information and valuables are stored away. That includes bills and personal notes that may be lying around your computer or countertops. Make sure your office is also clear of personal information.
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