So
you want to sell your home…
First you need to approach this as your investment,
now that you are selling, look at it as a house
not your home. Attaching sentiments
makes this a very difficult time for you and your
family. Try to detach. Haven’t you noticed
that people always buy a house, but sell a home?
The
buyer will pay a premium price for a house that
is in tip-top, ready to move in condition. So
to make sure you have everything in order.
Getting
a property inspection before going on the market
to identify any problems will relieve you of the
worry of a buyer finding a problem you may not
be aware of. You will be able to make any necessary
repairs prior to listing it. This will show the
potential buyer that you take pride in your home,
thus making him feel more comfortable to make
a full offer.
When
your house is in prime condition it makes it easy
for real estate agents to show and therefore it
gets shown more often. The more it is shown the
better chance you have of getting it sold quicker
and getting your asking price.
Spruce
it up outside. First impressions are so important.
Some buyers won’t even go in if the outside
isn’t appealing.
How
is your curb appeal? Is your
yard mowed, paint or siding clean and in good
condition? Are your windows clean and in good
condition? What about the screens? How is the
entrance, could it use some color to liven it
up? Are there toys or trash lying around? How’s
the driveway, is it free of oil stains? Are there
cracks with weeds growing between?
If you want to grab their immediate attention
strive to be the prettiest on the block.
Now
that they are inside what do they see? What do
they smell? Your home doesn’t
have to be spotless, after all you do have to
live there, however it does need to be clean and
in good repair. When it comes to selling your
home less is more. Arrange furniture so your rooms
look larger. Put extra items in storage till you
move. Do your walls have marks and stains? A little
paint can go a long way, be sure to pick neutral
colors or white is always good. How about the
carpet? Do you have pet odors? If steam cleaning
doesn’t work you may offer a carpet allowance.
Are your light fixtures and switches working?
What about your leaky toilet and drippy faucet,
they don’t take much to fix. Be sure that
your bathrooms are kept clean; sinks, toilet,
tubs and shower doors free of soap scum. Nothing
kills a sale faster than a dirty bathroom. Ditto
for the kitchen, buyers often look in the oven
or under the exhaust hood as a clue for general
good housekeeping. Clean out the closets so they
look more spacious, everyone always likes storage
space. Cabinets look roomer if they aren’t
full, discard or throw away everything you don’t
need, you don’t want to move it anyway.
Clean
out that garage! Now seems like a good
time for a garage sale or a trip to the Salvation
Army.
Okay, now the house looks great!!...Are you sure
you want to move?
