With Buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area. When the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer, the following tips will make it easier to prepare your property to sell and get you TOP MARKET VALUE:
CURB APPEAL:
OUTDOORS:
Keep lawn neat and mowed
Keep the perimeter of the house free of debris
Trim Shrubs and overgrown trees
Replace dead plants
Weed all planting areas
Keep driveway and steps clear of debris
Apply fresh paint as needed, replace damaged bricks or wood
Replace any broken or cracked windows and old or torn screens
Be sure faucets and sprinkler systems are in good working order
Keep yard furniture in good condition
Keep patio clear of all small items, such as small planters, flowers pots,
charcoal barbeques, toys, etc.
Keep gutters clear of debris
Check roof for dry rot and replace any loose or damaged shingles
If you have a pool or spa, be sure it sparkles
GARAGE:
Remove all unnecessary items, clean floor and tidy shelves
Check electric garage door opener – maintenance/lights
Paint or replace garage door if necessary
GENERAL MAINTENANCE:
OUTDOORS:
Repair or repaint front door
Keep walkway swept clean
Clean screen doors
Polish door hardware
Make certain that the doorbell is functional
Oil squeaky doors
Tighten doorknobs
Replace burned out lights
Clean windows
Touch up chipped paint
Repair cracked plaster
Repair Leaking faucets/toilets
SPIC AND SPAN:
KITCHEN:
Clear counter-tops
Clear refrigerator fronts of messages, magnets, pictures, etc.
Clean stove and oven
Mop and wax the floor
BATH:
Remove unnecessary items from counter-tops
Clean sink, tub, shower stall, shower doors, commode
Clean or replace shower curtain
Clean mirrors
Mop and wax floor
Set up coordinating towels/rugs to add a decorative touch
Replace or repair leaking faucets
Check commode for leaks, replace parts if necessary
Clean lighting fixtures
Re-caulk around sink and shower, if necessary
BEDROOMS:
Keep beds made
Tide up and organize closets
Dust all furniture
Clean blinds and drapes
Keep rooms picked up
LIVING AREAS:
Clean fireplace, hearth and mantle
Clear stairs and halls
Remove excess pictures from walls
Apply paint as needed
Dust furniture
Clean all closets
If the interior or exterior of your home is painted in a bright color, we highly suggest you consider re-painting it a neutral color, i.e. white or off-white for the interior.
Remember, a Buyer’s First Impressions are the most lasting! Clean out the clutter, this will make the rooms look larger. Store/pack those items you won’t be using, i.e. curios, photographs, collectibles. Make the house look neat and tidy. Remove unnecessary pictures from the walls, patch the nail holes and paint over them.
In general, if you follow the guidelines above, you will have an advantage over the competition already on market. It is very important that a home “SHOWS” well.
Leave your home when Buyer’s arrive with their Agent. Make them feel comfortable. Be Polite. Give them the opportunity to talk without fear of being overheard by you. Give them some privacy. Remove your pets, if possible, take them for a walk! If you are given enough notice, bake some cookies so that the smell permeates the rooms, light scented candles in each room, turn on the stereo to some “lite” music…not heavy metal! Turn on ALL the lights and open ALL the blinds. This will make the home appear light and bright. Stay gone from your home long enough for the Agent & Buyer’s to leave. Blow out the candles!!! Remember, Buyer’s will open your closet doors, peak into your storage rooms and ask questions. If you are asked ANY questions about your home, PLEASE refer those questions to your Agent. Allow your Agent to earn their money!
Know your competition! Go take a look at other homes that are on the market in your immediate area. If they have a flyer box, grab a flyer and ask your Agent to preview the homes or even better, go with your Agent.