First Impressions Last.
Buyers want to inspect your house and
neighborhood for the things that are important to them. Buyers always over
estimate the cost of painting and repairs. It is always preferable that you
prepare your home to look its best resulting in a faster sale at a higher price.
Leave your house and trust your professional Realtor to show and sell it for
you.
Let the Sun Shine In!
Open blinds, shades, and curtains to show how cheerful
your home is. Turn on every light in the house. Make sure light fixtures are
clean. When possible, wash windows and remove screens -- this can increase light
by 50%!
The Front View Greets the Buyer.
Make sure it is inviting. Keep your lawn well
manicured and your gutters cleaned. Power washing the house, sidewalks, decks
and driveways will greatly improve curb appeal. A new coat of paint on the front
door and porch rails will give your entrance a fresh look!
Dust & Dirt Reduce Appeal.
Inspect for cobwebs in the corners, dusty ceiling
fans, dirty baseboards and carpets. A small investment in time and good cleaning
will make your home look its best and give the greatest return.
Make Rooms Look Larger.
Remove excess furniture, pictures and posters. Neat,
orderly rooms and closets will make rooms look larger!
Soft Music and Sweet Aromas are
Inviting.
Have the intercom or stereo tuned to a station of soft
background music. Scented candles and potpourri give the home a pleasant aroma.
Kitchens and Bathrooms Sell
Homes.
Check and repair caulking around tubs, showers, sinks
and countertops. Remove as much from countertops as possible and place remainder
neatly on a tray or in a basket. Make these rooms sparkling clean.
Display the Full Value of Your
Storage Space.
Remove all unnecessary articles from your closets.
Perhaps now is the time to start packing for your move. Neatly stacked boxes
look much better than cluttered shelves and floors.
Pay Attention to Details.
Loose knobs, sticking doors, dirty air return filters,
ovens, and tile grout, loose wallpaper seams and other minor flaws detract from
your home's value.
Pets in the home?
Many buyers are very pet sensitive. Keeping them out
of the way-preferably out of the house is best. Pay special attention to pet
odors. Removing of pets, beds, bowls and toys will reduce pet odor and buyer
rejection.