Selling a home in today’s real estate market takes some strategic planning on the part of the seller as well as the real estate professional. Gone are the days when the agent representing the listed property simply entered the required data into the local multiple listing service (MLS), added a couple of pictures, and then sat back and watched the buyers march through the newly listed house. All that has changed—in fact, real estate agents need the support of their sellers now more than ever.
Below is a complete outline that all sellers should pay strict attention to. First off sit down with your agent and make sure you are both on the same page. Set a deadline for all the chores and or work to be finished. Then invite your agent to walk through the home to make sure that all items are completed and your home is ready for public viewing. Let’s get started!
General Details
Start with the idea that your home needs to show larger and brighter—giving a more spacious feeling to potential buyers. Remember, buyers are not only walking through your home but they are viewing the property online as well.
- Clean carpets and polish floors if necessary
- Polish trim, molding and kitchen cabinets
- Air out the home, (take special steps to deodorize the home if a cigarette smell is present)
- Place a dehumidifier in the basement if there is a musty smell (Make sure that mold is not present by having your home inspected by a mold specialist)
- Check the paint both inside and out. If your home has bold, or outdated colors change to the modern neutrals. If the exterior is chipping or worn refresh with new coat of paint
- Remove old, outdated wallpaper
Interior
Take a pen and pad with you and go through each room noting which tasks need to completed.
Lighting
- Increase the wattage on your light blubs (use economical fluorescent blubs to help hold costs while giving you the advantage of a brighter space)
- Clean and dust all light fixtures and ceiling fans
Windows
- Dust blinds, windowsills, and plant shelves
- Remove cobwebs and clean screens
- Clean interior and exterior glass (replace any broken panes if necessary)
- Remove dark or outdated draperies
Bathrooms
- Clean all tubs, toilets and sinks. Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove rust and any stains from older sinks
- Keep toiletries stored inside cabinets
- Remove scatter rugs and toilet seat covers
- Keep only one or two decorative items on the countertop
- Organize linen cabinets
- Bathroom shower tiles should be cleaned and re-caulked. If necessary clean grout.
- Make sure all faucets have been checked for leaks and repaired accordingly
Kitchens
- Clean off countertops and store small appliances to make the space appear larger
- Clean ovens, ranges (including drip pans) and check the seal on the dishwasher door
- Remove all magnets, notes, pictures, and personal information from front and sides of the refrigerator. This is not a billboard
- Place trashcan under sink or in pantry
Laundry/Utility Room
- Organize shelves and laundry baskets
- Wipe down washer and dryer
- If your furnace is in the same room make sure it is free of dust and you replace the filter (this should be done on a monthly basis)
- Do the same for the hot water heater or your humidifier
Pantry and Closets
- Organize and remove items if the closet or pantry appears cluttered. If possible leave some space to make the space appear larger
- If time allows, get rid of metal hangers and replace with plastic or wood hangers
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Remove unwanted furniture that makes the space appear smaller. Select pieces that look best and work well for you while you are still living in the home and then take the remainder of the items and put them into storage—preferably outside the home and NOT in the garage.
- Depersonalize your home by limiting too many family photos. Leave one or two out so that potential buyers get a feel of their family living there too. Gone are the days when you had to remove every trace of human existence. We are family oriented by nature
Outside Siding
- Remove cobwebs and power wash siding or re-stain, or paint as necessary
- Remove any wasp or hornet nets (get a professional to do the work and don’t risk being stung)
Yard
- Keep lawns mowed, weeded and well-edged
- Trim trees and shrubs
- Clean out flowerbeds and plant some colorful blooms
- Re-freshen mulch with a layer of new mulch
- Wipe down outdoor patio furniture and replace cushions
- If you have a deck make sure that all rails are secured and that the deck is freshly stained
- Make sure hoses are rolled up and tucked into their receptacles
Front Entry/Porch
- Dust cobwebs and re-paint or re-stain front door and put down a welcome mat
- Make sure the doorbell is working
- Check light fixture—clean or replace bulbs
Garage
- Clean and reorganize EVERYTHING
- Remove cobwebs and any oil or grease from the floor (if necessary paint the floor using a product specifically designed for garage floors)
- Organize tools so they aren’t strewn everywhere
- Keep cars clean as well! If a buyer is working through your garage and your car and rubs up against a dusty and dirty car you've just earned STRIKE ONE!
Well folks I’m sure you now have a bigger picture on what has to be done in order to sell your home. Don’t become overwhelmed. Take your list and break it down into increments. Finish one task and complete it before moving onto the next. This will keep you organized and focused. Believe me the effort that you put into this will be well worth it! With so many homes out there in today’s market yours should be the one that stands out.
My best to all of you! If you need some help in deciding if this is the right time for you sell to your home, please call Linda Kemp at 630.688.5121 today. It is my pleasure to help you by providing information and statistics that will enable you to make an informed decision.
If you are looking to buy or relocate to a different area search right here for the latest and most current listings from the comfort of your living room. Don’t be fooled by searching sites that display old, outdated listings. Got questions? Let Linda Kemp help you navigate through the plethora of homes in today’s market!
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