To prepare your house for sale, view it from the "eyes of a buyer". Any time and money spent on cleaning, repairing and removing clutter will maximize its appearance. This can help increase your profits and hopefully result in a faster sale.
WAYS TO MAXIMIZE THE "CURB APPEAL"
* Repaint the front door and trim. Repaint the rest of the house, if needed.
* Move all garbage cans, extra building materials and gardening supplies, etc. that are in the yard into the garage or shed.
* Check gutters and/or roof for dry rot and leaks.
* Prune bushes and trees. Remove any dead shrubs and trees.
* Weed and maintain all planted areas.
* Clean the patio, porch, or decks of all small items, such as small planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbecues, topys, etc. Sweep all areas and walkways.
* Check all screens and windows. Repair or replace if appropriate.
* Test all fences, gates and latches. Repair or replace any weakened areas.
* Use driveway cleaner to remove oil stains from the driveway or garage floor.
* Replace worn, badly stained, or personalized door mats.
WAYS TO HELP THE BUYERS MENTALLY 'MOVE IN'
* Open the front door. If it squeaks, groans, or drags, fix it.
* Review each room. Paint walls, clean windows, window coverings, and shampoo soiled carpets.
* Rearrange or remove some furniture. Less furniture in the room makes the room appear larger.
* Remove all unnecessary objects on the walls. A gallery wall of family photos or large collections frequently distract buyers and cause them to focus away from the house.
* Clean all unnecessary appliances from the kitchen countertops.
* Remove messages from refrigerators fronts.
* Clean the stove, stove hood and screen, microwave, and sinks.
* Remove all extra items from tubs, shower stalls, commode tops, and countertops in the bathroom. Group the most needed cosmetics, brushes, etc. on one counter. Coordinate towels to one or two colors only.
* Keep toilet lids down.
* Fix leaky plumbing.
* Organize your closets and cupboards. This them out and keep them orderly.
* Sweep the garage and keep it tidy.
* Place all money, jewelry, and other valuables (including guns) in a secure, out of sight location.
* Put pets, pet food dishes, and litterboxes outside, whenever possible.
* Check all light fixtures. Replace all burned out lightbulbs.
* Clean the fireplace and hearth.
* Locate operating manuals for appliances. Have warranty information available.
WAYS TO MAKE YOUR SHOWINGS MORE EFFECTIVE
* Place basket or dish on a table near the front door for business cards.
* Place flyers on a table by the front door.
* Save all real estate business cards left at your house. The sales associate will follow up on all showings.
* If you are at home when a salesperson comes by with a buyer, always ask for a business card before allowing them into your home. After you have made property identification, make yourself inconspicuous (go outside, to the garage, run an errand).
* Leave certain lights on during the day. During showings, turn on all lights and lamps.
* Have soft FM music on duirng the days of all showings.