PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

When presenting your home for sale to prospective home buyers, first impressions are crucial. Home buyers begin judging your home the moment they see it, and generally they prefer homes that are well-maintained, clean and clutter free; homes they can picture themselves living in. That is why home improvements, particularly if they address the anticipated needs of home buyers, can boost your home's appeal and make it more attractive to get it sold quickly.

Here are a few proven, cost-effective tips that will help your house look its best:

Exterior Of The Home

  • Mow and rake the lawn, trim hedges, weed and edge gardens
  • Sweep sidewalks and driveway, pick up any litter
  • Repair gutters and eaves, touch up exterior paint
  • Plant extra flowers for color, or place potted plants beside the front door
  • Clean or paint front door, polish front door hardware, ensure doorbell works

Interior Of The Home

  • Clean and tidy the home entrance; clear stairs, halls and store all excess furniture
  • Brighten interiors with fresh, light-toned paint
  • Brighten rooms by installing high wattage light bulbs and turning them on
  • Shampoo carpets, clean and wax floors
  • Organize kitchen countertops -- removing appliances if necessary -- to make them look spacious
  • Clean kitchen countertops, cabinets, appliances, washer and dryer
  • Organize and clean out closets to make them look larger
  • Clean and freshen bathrooms, put out clean towels, minimize clutter
  • Clean mirrors and windows so they sparkle
  • Organize and clean garage and basement
  • Perform necessary minor repairs and touch-ups to walls, windows, fixtures, etc.

Tips For Home Showings

  • Be absent so buyers feel more comfortable making comments
  • Light the fireplace, open the drapes, play quiet background music
  • Keep pets outdoors

These are just a few ideas to get you started on moving towards a successful home sale. We know what today's buyers are looking for and can provide more ideas that will maximize your home appeal to real estate buyers. Remember, a few easy and inexpensive improvements can produce big returns on your investment.  In the current market, always check with your real estate agent prior to making any costly upgrades or improvements for sale.  Don't forget, this is just to get you started, as part of my listing program you'll receive a complimentary home staging consultation.