1. UNCLUTTER. Throw out old newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small items. Clear off counter tops. Store away clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clear out the garage. Buyers like to visualize their possessions in the house.
2. CLEAN, CLEAN and CLEAN. Wash your windows and screens. This lets more light into the interior. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints and dirt from light switch plates. Clean counters, floors, stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer. A clean house makes a better first impression and tells buyers that the house has been well taken care of.
4. LIGHT IT UP. Put in brighter bulbs to make rooms appear brighter, especially in dark rooms and replace burnt-out bulbs. Turn on all the lights prior to buyers coming to see the house.
5. FIX IT. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, cracked receptacle covers or dripping faucets. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable. Minor repairs give buyers the impression that the house isn't well maintained.
6. LOOKS GOOD! Curb appeal and the exterior of the house are an essential part in the selling process. Cut the grass, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Place a couple of bright colorful potted flowers near the entryway to cheer things up and get the buyers attention. Clean dirty gutters. Polish or replace your front doorknob and door numbers.
10. SMELLS GOOD! The number one turn off to a potential buyer is an unpleasant odor. Get rid of smells. Clean carpets and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Replace old and smelly carpets with new ones. Open the windows to get some fresh air in the house.
Now you are ready to call your local real estate professional to list your house for sale!
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