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How to Get Your Home Ready to Put on the Market

By
Real Estate Agent with Alexander Chandler Realty

You've decided it's time to put your home on the market after living in it for quite awhile.  Oftentimes, homeowners don't notice the "little things" that can be done to improve the chances for a quicker sale.  In these economic times buyers have more homes to look at, so it's best to make your home "shine" when compared to other houses on the market.  Your budget may be small, so look for those improvements that can make the most difference for the dollars you can spend.

What do buyers see first -- the outside of the house before they enter.  For little or no money (you can do it yourself), have the landscaping trimmed and add a few flowers and new shrubs to enhance the look of the home.  Keep the yard mowed. Is the paint on the trim of your home and on your front door in good shape? How does your mailbox look -- has it lost its shine?  Are your windows clean?  Have the leaves been raked and the front porch swept? Is the outdoor patio furniture in good shape?  Buyers make up their minds within the first 10 seconds of seeing the exterior of a home as to whether they want to see anymore of the home, so take an objective look at the outside and make a few minor changes -- it will definitely make a difference through the buyers' eyes.

Next, look around the inside of the home.  Remove extra "knick knacks" that clutter the house, including excessive amounts of family photos. Make sure all of the lighting is functioning and lightbulbs have been replaced.  Paint is a cheap investment and can make a world of difference to improve the value of the home.  If  you have a wall color that you love but maybe others would not, paint it a neutral color.  Are there fine-line cracks that need to be repaired? Are the doors in good working order, including any bolts and locks?  Any leaky faucets and plugged up drains?  If the answer is yes, get them repaired before you put the house on the market.  Add some green plants inside to warm up your home, and put a few flowers in vases to add some additional color.  Make sure the mirrors in your home have been cleaned and shine.  Pick up any clutter that might be on the floors or on tabletops; also declutter the countertops in your kitchen area.  And before those buyers come to visit, light those good-smelling candles to freshen up your home.

These are just a few, inexpensive suggestions to make your house shine above the rest on the market!

And you'll be needing a place to move to, so contact www.alexanderchandler.com or

http://alexanderchandler.com/about/agent_roster2.asp for help in locating your next home.

 

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Apr 25, 2011 04:48 AM
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