Get Your Home Ready To Sell
A common mistake people make is to spend a lot of money – renovations, remodeling. While buyers will be impressed with these things, spending $5000 on remodeling will not add $5000 to your sale. Spend as little money as possible, and spend it on cosmetic, readily seen features like interior painting. The time to remodel is when you plan to stay in the house, not when you’re going to sell.
Remember your style may not be somebody else's style
If you think about everything that needs to be done to sell your house, you might throw your hands up in despair. Take one step at a time, break it down to manageable-sized chores and you’ll have better results.
First things first – have a garage sale. Whatever doesn’t sell, give away. . Once the clutter is cleared away, it will be easier to see what needs to be done.
Some ways to help with the sale of your house:
*Put a bright coat of paint on your mailbox.
* Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly. Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house..
*Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling, and reseal if possible.
*If you have siding or brick, power-wash it. If you have a painted exterior, consider repainting in a neutral shade. This is especially important if there is any peeling.
*Make sure the porch light works.
*Make your front yard welcoming. This is the FIRST IMPRESSION.
* Keep your garage door closed.
* Paint the front door.
If prospective buyers walk into your house greeted by the smell of cat litter, cigarette smoke, mildew or pet accidents, there is little chance that even a reduced sales price will persuade them to buy. So the first thing to do:
*Clean, clean, clean. This includes walls, floors, inside closets and cabinets – everything. If you must, hire a cleaning service to come in and do the job.*l Get rid of clutter. Put away appliances you normally leave on countertops. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Clean out your closets, garage, basement and attic.
*Paint the walls and ceilings a neutral color – off white or beige.
* Unclog slowly draining sinks and tubs.
* Check to see that all windows will open and close.
* Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs.
*Make sure every light switch works.
*Thoroughly clean all appliances (especially refrigerator and oven).
* Wash all light switches, handrails and doorknobs.
ON SHOWING DAY
*Place fresh flowers throughout the house.
*Spend the day of an open house away from home. Let your Agent sell your home
* Leave pets outdoors.