Preparing Your Home for Sale

How First Impressions COUNT

As you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, take a couple of steps back and try to see your house from the perspective of a potential buyer. (If this is difficult, snap some photos and look at the results.)

Before the sign goes up and before brokers or buyers come over, de-clutter, scrub, polish, straighten and brighten up the property, beginning at the curb. And remember: buyers and agents will continue to view your home over the coming weeks – even if you accept an offer immediately – so take the time to keep things neat every day or two until you move!

If your home will be vacant during showings, your real estate agent may recommend using an interior designer to “stage” some rooms to make them more appealing

It’s what’s up front…

The first thing a visitor sees is the outside entry to your home. Whether this is a gated estate with sprawling acreage or an elevator to the door of your condominium, the entry should be tidy and uncluttered. Remove weeds, mow the lawn, sweep the porch and pick up and put away any tools or toys that may be lying around. Replace the welcome mat if it’s worn or stained. Check the driveway for cracks and intrusive weeds and make any necessary repairs. If boots, dogs, or house keys have scratched the front door, give it a fresh coat of paint. Polish metal fixtures. Make sure all entry lights are working and remove any trip hazards. A flowering plant set near the front door, especially in winter, creates an inviting approach.

While you’re outside…

The entire exterior of your house should look fresh and well-maintained. Peeling paint on the trim or siding suggests poor maintenance throughout the house. Freshen paint, make sure gutters and downspouts are straight and secure, window and door screens are clean and free of holes, and fences and gates are properly installed and working. Give any squeaking hinges a squirt of lubricant while you’re at it.
Make sure garage, carport, basement and any other storage areas are swept clean and very neat and well-organized. Remove as much clutter as possible from these areas.

Come on in…

The entry to your home gets more traffic than any other area. Check it carefully for scuffed floors, smudged walls and doors and corners cluttered with umbrellas and shoes. If you have an area rug in the entry, make sure it is clean and secured to the floor so that visitors won’t trip as they enter or leave. Put brighter bulbs into entry light fixtures.

Don’t forget the hall closet! Potential buyers are likely to open every door in your house, including closets. Even if you have to rent temporary storage, completely clear off the floor of the closet, limit the shelf to a few items and remove excess coats so that there’s plenty of space between items on hangers.

Bright and beautiful…

The main rooms of your home should feel bright, spacious and welcoming, even if you live in a cozy cottage. Wash windows, inside and out. Give walls and trim a fresh coat of paint in a light neutral color and repair or replace damaged wallpaper. (Although intense-color accent walls are very fashionable, some buyers may be distressed to discover that your colors are incompatible with their upholstery, linens and dishes.) No matter how much you love your furniture and knick-knacks, remove as much as you possibly can, and be sure to put away anything valuable. An uncluttered room appears more spacious, so get rid of all but the essentials.

Clean switch plates, door jambs and window sills. Clear cobwebs out of corners. Make sure that all light switches operate properly. Remove “cord clutter” at electrical outlets. Polish floors and woodwork until they gleam. Shampoo carpeting. Make sure that bedroom closets are neat and not over-crowded. All clothing and personal items should be put away.

And this is the kitchen…

No matter how beautiful and tidy the rest of your home, a poorly-maintained kitchen can be a deal-breaker. As with other rooms, walls, trim, cabinets and floor (especially along baseboards) should be immaculate. Appliances should be working properly and spotless and gleaming (including ovens, burners and range hoods). All drawers should open and close properly and be neatly arranged inside. The refrigerator should be cleaned inside and out and old or excess food removed. Replace burned-out light bulbs. Pay extra attention to de-smudging stove nd dishwasher controls. Polish sinks and remove stains. Storage shelves and pantry should be tidy and free of any traces of food stains. If you have hanging pots and pans, make sure they are polished. Put away small appliances and other items that normally sit on countertops. Freshen the garbage disposal by grinding up some lemon peel. Make sure laundry appliances are clean and laundry area is clear of clothing and clutter.

And the bathrooms…

Scrub, scrub, scrub. Repair damaged tile and missing or stained grout. Tile, tub, sinks, mirrors and toilet must be spotless. Curtains and towels should be freshly washed. Empty and clean the medicine cabinet (lock up any prescription medications) and drawers.

What’s that smell?

You may enjoy, or not be aware of, the odors in your home, but they can be distressing – or even dangerous – to potential buyers who may be sensitive or allergic. As soon as you decide to sell, make a concerted effort to eliminate odors from your home. That includes strong cooking odors; pet food, beds and boxes; cigarette and other smoking odors; perfume; incense; and scented household cleaners. Once or twice a week, open windows and allow fresh air to circulate through rooms, including closets and other enclosed spaces.

Right before each showing…

Wipe and dust surfaces. Empty wastebaskets. Vacuum up spills. Put pets into a secure outdoor area along with food or water dishes, cat boxes and pet toys. Brighten dark corners with fresh flowers or potted plants. Open curtains and turn on lights throughout the house. Turn off televisions and music. Pick up any papers, dishes, keys and other personal items. Leave the property and let your real estate agent show it to its full advantage.

For other suggestions on preparing your home for sale, or to talk about the marketing of your property, call me today!