|
|
Preparing Your Home for Sale
First impressions have a major impact on potential Buyers. Try to imagine what a potential buyer will see when they approach your house for the first time. There are a number of things that you can do to help get the best possible price in the shortest amount of time.
Your SunTree agent is an expert in marketing homes, however, selling your home is a joint effort. Your major role is to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Here are some tips.
Exterior
- Mow and edge the lawn regularly, and trim the shrubs
- Make your entry inviting: Paint your front door and buy a new front door mat
- Paint or replace the mailbox, if needed
- Paint or repair any fences or gates.
- If screens or windows are damaged, replace or repair them
- Repair or replace worn shutters and their exterior trim
- Make sure front steps are clear and hazard-free
- Make sure the doorbell works properly and has a pleasant sound
- Ensure that all exterior lights are working
- Check stucco walls for cracks and discoloration
- Remove any oil and rust stains from the driveway and garage
- Clean and organize the garage, and ensure the door is in good working order
- Repair or replace loose knobs on doors and cabinets
Interior
Start with a full housecleaning from top to bottom. Don’t let dirt and clutter obscure your home’s good points. Discard unused and unnecessary items in storage areas and closets. Eliminating clutter will give your home a more spacious look.
- Walls should be clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and dents. Consider a fresh coat of paint if a good washing doesn’t do the trick. Inspect woodwork and wallpaper for problem areas
- Arrange furniture to make each room appear more spacious and attractive. If a piece of furniture is badly worn, store it temporarily in the attic, at a neighbor or relative’s, or at an off-site storage facility
- Wash windows and sills until sparkling clean. Curtains and drapes should be freshly laundered.
- Shampoo rugs and carpets. Floors should be waxed.
- Repair loose doorknobs, sticking doors and windows, and warped drawers
- Fix leaky faucets and eliminate water discoloration in sinks
- Tighten loose stair banisters, and be sure steps are free of objects
- Light fixtures should be in good repair. Replace discolored or cracked switch plates.
- Clean out closets to display their roominess. Be sure clothes are hung neatly and shoes and other objects are tidily arranged
- Bathrooms should be sparkling clean. Repair Caulking in tubs an showers
- Bedrooms should appear neat with attractive spreads and curtains
- Clean and organize the basement, attic and garage.
|
