In order to sell your home at the highest possible price, it is preferable to properly prepare it prior to showings. All homes can eventually find a buyer, but if you prefer to sell your home quickly for the highest possible price complete the “little touches”. Of course, some fix-ups might require up-front expenses such as painting, refinishing worn woodwork, or repairing broken fixtures and appliances. Other little eye-pleasing improvements may cost absolutely nothing. A little elbow grease can make a big difference in your bottom line. Here’s how to make a buyer fall in love with your home:
Outdoors:
- Place a flower pot on the front step. Fix the doorbell, polish the hardware and invest in a new door mat.
- Trim the lawn and shrubbery, cultivate and mulch the flowerbeds. Keep hoses, garden equipment, bicycles, toys and garbage cans neatly put away. Remove dying plants or keep them out of sight.
- Porches, verandas, balconies, patios and other extensions of the house should be kept uncluttered, swept and in good condition. Highlight your pool area with lighting, patio furniture, planters, etc. Make sure the outdoor furniture is clean and inviting.
- Fill the potholes in the driveway and reseal it. Remove grass/weeds from cracks.
- Clean out the garage of everything possible except cars. Of course you are moving, and often boxes will need to be neatly stored in your garage.
Indoors:
- Clean everything inside and out. Harb & Co. offer their clients a complimentary staging consultation, if repainting our interior decorator will help with color selections. Shampoo rugs, wash windows, clean blinds, and vacuum draperies.
- Weed clutter out of closets and cupboards…make them appear roomier!
- Create a look of spaciousness by removing unnecessary furniture, knick-knacks, hobby items, children’s items, etc. Arrange furniture so that traffic can flow easily from one room to the next. Organize your closets and cabinets, remove unnecessary items and put them in storage. Add (live) plants for warmth.
- Keep draperies open to admit as much light as possible. Light the entire home especially the hallways and dark corners. Whenever possible install the highest possible wattage allowed. Light your fireplace during the winter. The thermostat should be set for buyers to feel comfortable both in winter and summer.
- Make the kitchen appear warm and welcoming. Keep sink, counters and stove tops sparkling clean. Remove all possible items from counter tops so the room will appear larger. Organize the cupboards.
- Remove debris (dust, bugs, etc.) from all light fixtures, especially ceiling fixtures.
- Keep bathrooms scrubbed and personal items out of sight. Towels should be in good condition and colors should be neutral and match the décor. Recaulk if the caulking is chipped and/or stained. Fix dripping faucets and clean out drains for good water flow.
- Bedding should be in good condition; the pattern should match the room’s décor.
For specific information regarding your home, contact Phyllis for a no obligation consultation.
This content is copywrited and may be used only with a direct link to this website.
