Preparing Your Home for Sale

Preparing Your Home for Sale

Let Your Home Smile a Welcome to Buyers.

With a little effort on your part, your home can be sold more quickly and at a better price. These tips have proved invaluable to owners and are worth your special attention.

1.     First impressions are lasting. The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is clean and has that freshly scrubbed appearance. Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse. Be certain that snow and ice are removed from the front steps.

2.     Decorate for a quick sale. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look, when you can show him by redecorating? Neutral colors fit with any buyers color scheme, and a new touch of paint will often result in a quick and profitable sale.

3.     Let the sun shine in. Open drapes and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be (dark rooms are generally not appealing).

4.     Fix that faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.

5.     Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs, doors and windows that stick, warped cabinet drawers, and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed. (When prospects see things that need attention, they begin to worry about things they can’t see.)

6.     From top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility space by removing unnecessary articles.

7.     Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid a cluttered appearance and possible injuries.

8.     Make closets look bigger. Neat, well-ordered closets show that the space is ample.

9.     Bathrooms help sell homes.  Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle.

10.  Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

11.  Can you see the light? Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel a flowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for evening showings.

12.  Pets underfoot? Try to keep pets out of the way as much as possible.

13.  Silence is golden. It is best not to be present when the buyer tours your home. I f you must be home, be courteous, and don’t force conversation with the potential buyer.