Making your home "shine" is very important in attracting buyers. Most buyers assume that if what they can see has been well-cared for, then what they can't see has also been well-cared for. From experience, REALTORS® also know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. There are three main areas to remember when getting your home ready for sale:
How Much You Should Spend
The Exterior "Curb Appeal"
Preparing the Interior
1. How Much Should You Spend
Let's face it, who wants to put in a bunch of money on a house that they aren't going to live in any more? Nobody, and you don't have to! So spend as little money as possible. Because even though buyers will be impressed with a brand new roof, they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. So stick to minor and inexpensive "polishes" and "touch-ups" to your home, such as a fresh coat of neutral paint in the family room. Your REALTOR® Is familiar with the buyers' expectations in your area and can advise you on what "touch-ups" your home would benefit the most from. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.
2. The Exterior "Curb Appeal"
Even if your home is spectacular on the inside, you aren't going to get buyers through the front door if your home doesn't have "curb appeal". Preparing the exterior is probably the most important step in getting your home ready for sale. Bringing in an unbiased eye to help with suggestions of what needs to be changed or spruced up can make the world of difference. Here are some general ideas that shouldn't be over looked.
Keeping the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly
Trimming hedges, weeding lawns and flowerbeds, and pruning trees regularly
Checking the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling
Inspecting doors and windows for peeling paint
Cleaning and aligning gutters
Inspecting and cleaning the chimney
Repairing and replacing loose or damaged roof shingles
Repairing and repainting loose siding and caulking
During spring and summer months considering adding a few showy annuals, perhaps in pots, near your front entrance
Re-sealing an asphalt driveway
Keeping your garage door closed
Store RVs or old and beaten up teens' jalopies elsewhere while the house is on the market
Applying a fresh coat of paint to the front door
3. Preparing the Interior
Okay, so you've beautified the outside of your home. Now is the time to head inside. Again, an unbiased opinion of what should be changed or cleared out, and what should be emphasized can make the world of difference. Here are some pointers on preparing the interior of your home:
Most of us won't admit it, but almost every house has clutter. And removing this clutter will make your home appear bigger and brighter automatically. Some homeowners with crowded rooms have actually rented storage garages and moved half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
Hiring a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks while the house is on the market. This may be a good investment for owners who are busy elsewhere.
Removing the less frequently used, even daily used items from kitchen counters, closets, and attics, making these areas much more inviting. Since you're anticipating a move anyhow, holding a garage sale at this point is a great idea.
If necessary, repainting dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
Checking for cracks, leaks and/or signs of dampness in the attic and basement.
Check all walls for cracks, holes, or damaged plaster. Repair if necessary. Also check wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
Replace any broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork.
Inspecting and repair the plumbing, heating , cooling, and alarm systems if needed.
Repairing any dripping faucets and/or showerheads.
Buying matching new towels for the bathroom, to be brought out only when prospective buyers are on the way.
Spruce up the kitchen in need of more major remodeling by investing in new cabinet knobs, new curtains, or a coat of neutral paint.
