Preparing Your Property for Sale

First impressions are vital to help ensure success in the sale of your home. Evaluate your home’s condition, and concentrate on the visual appeal. Investing your time and energy will make a big difference, bringing you the highest possible price in the shortest period of time.

Preparing Your Property for Sale

ExteriorIf the buyer won’t get out of their car, your home won’t sell. Keep the sidewalks clear, trim lawn and shrubs, paint faded trim, and add a few colorful flowers (weather permitting).

InteriorYour house may fulfill all the criteria potential buyers want for location, price, style and amenities but it still needs to make an emotional connection. Inspire buyers by creating scenarios where they can picture themselves as the owners.

З Touch-up the paint on the exterior of the home if necessary. In some cases it pays to repaint the entire exterior if it hasn’t received a coat of paint in years. Make sure to clean any hardwood trim around the exterior. Consider repainting your front door and mailbox.

З Clean the gutters and extend downspouts to prevent flooding or basement water seepage.

З Be sure the grass is cut, and if needed, reseed any bare lawn areas. Rake leaves, trim shrubbery and trees, cut the lawn, and plant a few new, fresh flowers. Put down fresh mulch or peat moss around shrubs and flower beds.

З If the driveway is stone and appears lean, add another coat of gravel. If the driveway is asphalt, consider resealing it. Sweep and hose off the walkways and driveways. Pressure wash if necessary, this will help clean any oil stains you may have.

З Be sure all exterior lights and doorbells are operable.

З Be sure that both the exterior and interior of all windows are clean.

З Consider repainting any discolored wall, and those that are currently painted in dark colors. A good rule of thumb is to use neutrals in all large spaces.

З Removing extra clutter and furniture will make rooms appear larger and also makes it easier for buyers to move around your home. Rent a storage space if necessary to hold extra items while your home is on the market.

З Carpet cleaning involves more than vacuuming. All carpeting should be steam cleaned. Consider replacing any worn or stained carpeting. Wax or polish, and glue down any seams if you have vinyl flooring.

З Great lighting makes a home warm and welcoming. Increase the wattage in lamps and fixtures.

З Be sure all plumbing, heating and electrical items are functioning properly. Make sure smoke detectors are in place and functional.

З Ensure that all doors and windows operate smoothly. This is particularly important for bedroom windows.

З Organize all closets, pack up unnecessary items for storage, and put all toys away.

З Be sure your house is safe. For a potential homebuyer unfamiliar with your house, a wobbly railing or uneven floors could pose a risk.

З A thorough professional cleaning will always make a house appear more attractive.

З Store all jewelry and small valuables

З Make sure pets are off the premises or out of site to eliminate pet odors.

Showing Your PropertyWhen you know a showing is scheduled, you can put some last minute touches on your property and spot clean for maximum impact before the buyers arrive.

З Go away during the organized showings. The buyer won’t feel comfortable to talk about the house in front of you. Try not to volunteer conversation. Be courteous but don’t force conversation with a potential buyer.

З Create a relaxing bedroom setting with soft colors and luxurious, comfy linens. Remember to de-clutter your closet, flaunt the storage space.

З Nothing says “hello” like a clean and sparkling kitchen. Empty all wastebaskets. Scrub the interior of the sink and use a multi-surface cleaner to remove fingermarks, smears and stains.

З Open all draperies during the day. Every room should be clean, neat and dust/clutter free.

З Turn on some soft ambient background music to enhance the showing.

З Make sure the temperature is set comfortably.

З Plan a pleasant aroma. Cinnamon sticks and vanilla scents can help mask other odors your home might have.

З Keep the pets out of the home during the showings.

З Save your receipts- If you have completed any substantial work on your home, ONLY take them out if someone questions the value of the work performed (in the negotiating process).

З Save your utility bills- Buyers frequently have questions about utility costs of owning a home. Having these utility bills available will provide precise answers to important questions.

З Never negotiate during a showing. Allow your Realtor® to discuss price, terms, possessions, and other items with any potential buyers.

З Try to be flexible in the scheduling of showings.

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