TIDY UP THE LANDSCAPE
A well-kept, neatly landscaped property will help act as ‘bait’ to lure the potential Buyer in to see your home. Mulch the plant beds. Garbage bins should be out of view and the lawn freshly trimmed. Water and fertilizing a few weeks prior to listing will help your lawn look lush and green. Woodwork should be free of chipped or cracking paint. If necessary, repaint. Try to figure out a color scheme for planting flowers in the early spring that will give your home a boost of color when it is being shown.
MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION
The front door should be clean or freshly painted (ideally in a bright color). Brass knobs should be polished with brass cleaner. You might consider placing a planter of fresh flowers on your front porch accented by a new door mat.
MINOR REPAIRS CAN HELP TREMENDOUSLY
Repair all loose doorknobs and cupboard hinges, dripping faucets, stained sinks, loose or missing caulking, sticking doors and windows, and damaged or missing window screens.
CLUTTER IS UNATTRACTIVE
Neatness makes a room look larger. Do you have too much furniture in each room? You may need to store artwork and furniture before your move. Are your shelves and closets overcrowded? Now might be a good time to start packing boxes. The result will be a far less cluttered home.
CLEAN YOUR HOME THOROUGHLY
Buyer’s react worse to dirt than clutter. They figure if you’ve let the cleaning go, it’s possible that you’ve let other, more serious, maintenance
issues go as well. Consider hiring a service that will give your home a thorough going over just to get you started.
BATHROOMS SHOULD SPARKLE
Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs, including hard-water spots on shower enclosure doors. If drains run slowly, unclog them. Hang fresh towels on towel racks.
LIGHTING DOES WONDERS
Drapes, curtains and mini-blinds should be open to allow plenty of light in your home. An open, airy feeling generates comfort and welcomes the potential Buyer into your home. Turn on all the lights when showing your home. Use brighter bulbs if necessary.
CLOSET SPACE IS A PLUS
Neat, well-organized closets appear larger. Larger closets help sell homes.
COUNTERTOPS SHOULD BE CLEARED
Less is more because rooms look bigger and more inviting. Completely clear off your countertops in the kitchen and baths, office desk, the tables next to your bed, your coffee table in the living room and your dining room table. You can then put a few decorative pieces back.
KITCHENS SHOULD BE CLEAN
The emptier it is, the larger it will appear. Avoid dirty dishes in the sink or on counters and run your dishwasher before every showing. Counter top appliances should be kept in cupboards. Clean the ventilating hood over the stove. Replace or repair worn-out flooring.
TAKE A SNIFF
Are there any unpleasant odors in your home? If so, track them down and eliminate them. Ensure all your lights work and are free of cobwebs. You want your home to look spacious, bright and fresh.
AVOID HAVING TOO MANY PEOPLE PRESENT
Try to leave your home during showings and let the Realtor® show your home to potential Buyers. The potential Buyer may feel uncomfortable or pressured, and hurry through the house if too many people are present during their showing.
KEEP PETS SECURELY OUT OF THE WAY
It is best to keep pets off site during open houses and showings.
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