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Preparing Your Home to Sell
For most people, their home is their largest asset. Therefore, preparing your home for sale is a very worthwhile investment in time and energy. Increasing the attractiveness and cleanliness of your home, will greatly decrease the time it takes for you to get an offer and will allow you to achieve top market value.
People usually decide within two minutes whether they like your house. The first impression is often the lasting impression. And they start forming their opinion before they even walk in the front door!
Here are some time-tested tips to make your home more presentable. A good rule to follow is to do cosmetic things, which will improve your chances of selling, but avoid making major changes unless they will increase the value of your home more than the cost of the improvement.
Approach your present home the way others will view it during a showing. Look at your home keeping these ideas in mind. Not all of these items are necessary for every home, but this list should give you specific areas to concentrate on from a prospective buyers view.
Outside
- Clean the front porch. Cobwebs and dead bugs tend to gather in this area.
- Remove any clutter or debris from around the house.
- In the winter, be sure your walkways are free of snow and ice.
- Plant flowers near the front door or accessorize with potted plants. Prune overgrown shrubs and pull any weeds.
- Water and fertilize your lawn to keep it green.
- Inspect your front door. Could it use a fresh coat of paint? Consider adding updated accents such as a new doorknob, house numbers and a kick plate.
- Make any necessary repairs, paint exterior if needed.
- Inspect the roof and gutters. Any missing shingles to replace? Gutters and down spouts in place?
Kitchen & Baths
- Extra elbow grease is required in these areas.
- Remove all magnets, notes and artwork from the refrigerator.
- Keep fresh towels in the bathrooms.
- Counters and fixtures should be sparkling clean.
- Remove every unnecessary item from every countertop. Store seldom-used small appliances and large baking pans. Uncluttered counters make the room look larger.
- Polish chrome faucets and handles in the tubs and sinks.
- Use wood cleaners and polish on cabinets.
- Repair dripping faucets.
- Clean the microwave, ventilating hood, and the oven. Replace the burner drip pans on the stove.
Living Areas
- Replace all burned-out light bulbs with maximum light-producing bulbs.
- Make the floors shine! Clean and polish them and/or have the carpets professionally cleaned.
- All clothing, shoes, hats, accessories, toys, tools, papers, magazines, books and personal items not contributing to the decor of the room (INCLUDING PERSONAL PHOTOS) should be stored neatly in closets and drawers.
- Sort through your closets and cupbords. Donate to charity everything you don’t want to move to your next home. Start packing seldom used items.
- Strongly consider renting a storage facility for excess furniture, paced boxes, and unused items; such as a treadmill.
- Check to see that all windows will open and close.
- All windows should be in good repair with no cracks or broken seals. All windows should be spotlessly clean. Window sills should be clean and free of any flaking or loose paint.
- Screens should be clean and in good condition, free of rust and holes.
- Make minor repairs; tighten loose knobs, lubricate squeaky hinges, nail down any creaking boards or stair treads, replace dirty filters, and remove any stains.
- Have all drywall/plaster in top shape. Repair cracks and nail-pops.
- Check ceilings for leak stains. Fix the cause of any damage, repair the ceiling and paint.
- Consider your personal decor. Neutralize the home by painting the walls if necessary.
- If you have a fireplace, clean it out and place logs in it to make it look inviting.
Basement, Attic and Garage
- Clean out the attic, basement and garage. Dispose of everything you are not going to move. Box everything you will not need until you’re settled in your new home. Move the boxes to your storage facility or stack neatly.
- Make sure there is plenty of light on the stairs to the basement.
- If your basement is dark and gloomy, consider painting the ceilings and walls a light color.
- Remove heavy oil stains from the garage floor and driveway.
- Park a camper, boat, or an extra vehicle at another location.
It’s Show Time!
Prior to every showing, prepare your home to sparkle and welcome your prospective buyers. Remember, people usually decide within two minutes whether they like your house. The first impression is often the lasting impression.
Before the Showing
- Be especially aware of household odors caused by pets, smoking and/or cooking.
- Refrain from cooking food that creates noxious cooking odors.
- If you smoke, only smoke outside.
- Remove pets from the home, if possible, or confine outdoors.
- Clear the sink and kitchen of dirty dishes.
- Remove every unnecessary item from every counter top.
- Kitchen and bath areas should sparkle.
- Put out your best guest towels in the baths.
- Make sure all of the furniture is dust free.
- Vacuum/damp mop all flooring surfaces.
- Open blinds and shades to let in the most light.
- Turn on a light in every room. For evening showings, be sure to have a porch light and any outdoor lighting turned on.
- Make sure the beds are made and all dirty clothing is stored out sight.
- Return all toys to their proper storage area.
- Place a vase of freshly cut flowers on the table.
