Preparing House for Sale

Preparing Your House for Sale

 

You’ve taken a big step and decided to sell your house.

Now what should you do?  To maximize the sale potential of your house you need to prepare it to show to potential buyers.  Here are some tips to follow.

FOCUS FIRST ON CURB APPEAL

Curb appeal is your first chance to entice buyers.  Focusing your efforts on the front of your house will assist in grabbing buyers’ attention.  It’s true that first impressions are lasting, so be sure that your house creates a strong first impression. 

Here are some suggestions experts recommend to increase the curb appeal of your house:

          Mow, weed, trim and water your lawn regularly

          Paint or thoroughly wash the house exterior

          Place a new welcome mat at the door

          Make sure you can read your house address numbers

          Wash the windows to they are transparent

          Remove extra vehicles from the driveway

          Repair damaged screens and windows

          Sweep the walkway and driveway as needed

          Remove distracting lawn ornaments

          Clean up after your pets on a daily basis

          Repair any fence or gate

          Make sure your roof and gutters are in good shape

 

CREATE NEUTRAL AND WELCOMING LIVING AREAS

Your 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.  To do so, create a neutral slate by using subtle colors in your entryway, living room, family room and dining room; eliminate excess personal memorabilia; and engage all of the senses with soft music, a warm fire and fresh flowers. 

Here are a few ideas to make your place say, “Welcome You’re Home” to potential buyers:

          Ensure a clean, organized entryway for appeal

          Paint walls a neutral color scheme.  Remember, white never fails

          Repair wall and ceiling cracks

          Scrub and wax or seal floors

          Make sure carpet is spotless and fresh smelling

          Wipe down all light fixtures so each room sparkles

          Clean draperies and blinds

          Scale back family photos to a few tastefully framed pictures

          Plan soft music on the stereo to create a comfortable atmosphere

          Rearrange furniture in the family room & living room for openness

          Place a bench in your entryway for your guests’ convenience

 

HIGHLIGHT THE KITCHEN AND BATHS

Two key areas that buyers tend to focus on are the kitchen and the bathrooms.  A clean kitchen sends a positive message.  And a beautiful bathroom is compelling.  Many buyers prefer to purchase a house classified as “move-in condition,” so make sure you repair leaky faucets, remove rust stains and fix sticky drawers.  Simple repairs now can mean the difference between potential buyers moving on or making an offer.

Here’s what you can do to impress potential buyers:

          Place seldom used small appliances in drawers

          Wipe down insides of drawers and install dividers

          Make sure your mirrors and appliances shine

          Inspect the cabinets and clear the countertops

          Check for leaky faucets and caulk sinks and tubs

          Leave guests tasteful treats such as coffee and cookies

          Lay an on cookbook on the counter

In the bathroom, create a mini-spa with guest soaps, bath oils and    thick towels

Scrub and polish all sinks and tubs

Purchase a new shower curtain and liner as well as rugs

Repair missing grout and tiles

Roll several new towels and place in a basket on counter

Deodorize garbage disposal, dishwasher and trash can

 

FOCUS ON BEDROOMS , THE BASEMENT & BACKYARD

Turn your attention to the rest of the house.  Take a close look at each remaining area-including the bedrooms, the basement and the backyard.  And remember to inspect the garage, shop and laundry room.  These often overlooked areas can impress potential buyers, setting your house apart from the competition!

A clean house sends a positive message that you also took care of major items such as the roof and the furnace.  If you can’t get something clean, paint it, remove it or replace it.

Here are a few items to pay special attention to:

          Vacuum under beds

          Organize closets

          Place scented candle on the nightstand

          Fold a quilt at the end of the bed

          Put scented paper or sachets in closets

          Drape a textured throw over the corner of a sofa or chair

          Hang a picture in the laundry room

          Wipe down the washer, dryer, furnace & all appliances

          Put tools in binds in the garage or shop

Refresh patios by power-washing & give wood decks a boost with fresh coat of stain

Place lawn furniture and small tables I conversational groupings outside

 

By making potential buyers feel welcome and comfortable you can subtly influence their attitude toward your house…turning it from a house for sale into a HOUSE SOLD!!