Preparing Your Home For Sale

A good first impression can help sell your home

You can assist me when your home is being shown to prospective buyers by remembering that first impressions are the most lasting and the most important to its sale.

Your major role as a seller will be to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers. The time, effort and financial investment involved can give you the competitive edge needed to sell your home when you want, and at the best possible price and terms.

I will advise you in detail on the best staging for your home.  However, the following guidelines will assist you in preparing your home for sale, as well as the presentation for showings:

Your home’s exterior creates the prospective buyer’s first impression

Since the exterior of your home is the first thing a prospective buyer sees, a little time and effort can make a big difference in the impression your home creates. And pay big dividends when the sale is made.

Use this check list to make sure your home’s exterior looks its best:

• Lawn is well cut and neatly trimmed around the walks and drive.
• Flower garden is weeded.
• Shrubs are trimmed and dead trees and branches are eliminated.
• All debris is disposed of and toys and lawn equipment are neatly stored.
• Fences and gates are repaired and repainted, if necessary.
• The roof, gutters and downspout are in good repair.
• Driveways and sidewalks are washed down and checked for cracking and crumbling.
• Cracked windows and torn screens are replaced. Screens, windows and window sills are washed. Doorknobs are polished.
• Doorbell and front lights are in good working order.

If you have planned to paint the house within the coming year, consider painting the house before showing it. A new paint job, well done, will normally enhance the sale value a good deal more than the cost of the paint.

If your home’s exterior looks clean, orderly, and in good repair, that’s the impression your house will first convey.

A spotless interior will reinforce your home’s good first impression

Interior dirt and clutter can obscure your home’s good points, so start with a full house cleaning from top to bottom. Store unused or unnecessary items in closets and storage areas.  Eliminate unwanted items by holding a garage sale or donating to your favorite charity. Eliminate clutter and your home will look more spacious – an important selling point.

Take an inspection tour of your home, observing it as a potential buyer would.

• Walls are clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and dents.
• Woodwork and wallpaper are inspected for problem areas; wallpaper is cleaned and woodwork is waxed.
• Badly worn furniture is temporarily stored in away from the property.
• Curtains and drapes are freshly laundered or cleaned.
• Rugs and carpets are shampooed. Tile and hardwood floors shine.
• Loose doorknobs, sticking doors, windows and warped drawers are repaired.
• Leaky faucets are fixed. Water discoloration in sink is eliminated.
• Loose stair banisters are tightened and steps are free of objects.
• Light fixtures are in good working order. Discolored or cracked switch plates are replaced.
• Closets, shelves and drawers are organized to display spaciousness.
• Clothing is hung neatly and shoes and other objects are neatly arranged.
• Bathrooms are sparkling clean. Tub and shower caulking and grouting are repaired.
• Bedrooms are neat. Bedspreads and curtains are attractive.
• The kitchen is clean and tidy, including counters, cupboards, stove and oven.
• The basement, attic and garage are clean and well organized.
• Mirrors, picture frames and glass covering pictures are clean.
• Mirrors are strategically placed to create an impression of added space in problem areas.
• Lamp shades are in good condition.
• Electrical connections are plugged in.
• Consider painting walls and replacing carpeting if cleaning doesn’t do the trick.

It is also important to keep lighting in mind when your home is being toured. A light and bright appearance will make your home seem more cheery and spacious.

Improvements

Sometimes a home is dated or has deferred maintenance.  I will advise you of the selling advantages should you decide to make changes, and options if improvements are not possible.

Showing details that will maximize your home’s selling potential

You can do a lot to help me show your home. How your home presents itself is very important to its sale, and the following allows me to promote your home in the most attractive manner.

• The television is off, and music turned off or soothing selections low enough to allow the salesperson and buyers to talk, free of disturbances.
• You should not be present during showings.  Potential buyers will feel rushed and uncomfortable discussing the property with their agent if you are home.  It is important to keep the prospect’s attention focused positively on your house.
• Bad odors are eliminated. If a buyer walks into a home that has unpleasant odors, they will immediately eliminate your property for consideration or discount the price it is worth substantially.
• The house has adequate lighting.  Day or night, all the lights should always be turned on (even on the outside), and during the daytime, drapes and blinds are open.
• Wood is set in a wood burning fireplace. On cool days, a fire is lit.
• The house is completely clean, with special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Carpet vacuumed, hardwood and tile floors are clean.
• Magazines and children’s toys are in order,
• No clutter throughout the house.
• Plants have been watered and look healthy.
• Fresh flowers are arranged tastefully around the house.

While your house is being shown

• Make sure I can reach you should any questions need answering.

I have the experience and training necessary to bring negotiations to a successful conclusion.  Questions and communications regarding price, terms and/or condition of the property should only be relayed through me.

If you’ve followed the guidelines provided, you’ll know you’ve done your part in making sure your home creates a good first impression!

Contact us to request a complimentary DVD on preparing your home for sale here!