Tips for Selling Quickly
and for More Money
If your home is in the best
possible condition when you put it on the market, you will benefit by receiving higher
offers in a shorter time period. Buyers often purchase based on emotion, and homes in need
of repair or in poor condition generate the wrong feelings. There are some simple steps
you can take to ensure that your home is presented in its most attractive condition.
The Outside:
Trim the shrubs around your home. They should reach only to the
bottom of the windows. Ivy on the sides of houses should be removed for a cleaner look.
Tree
branches should be high enough so that a person can walk under them. Low hanging branches
that need pruning give the impression of neglect.
Place
flower pots on the porch and fill them with flowering plants. These provide an inviting
entrance to your home.
Give
your front door a fresh coat of paint. Be sure the doorbell works properly. Clean off the
mail box.
Wash the windows, window sills, and bottom of window jambs.
Remove children's toys from the front sidewalk and yard.
The Inside:
Open
windows to give the home a clean, fresh-air smell. If you have dogs or cats, be sure to
take steps to ensure your house is free from odors.
Clean
the carpets and wax or polish the wood floors.
Be
sure there is a bright light in the garage and in the attic.
Clean
out all closets, cabinets, and drawers. A good rule of thumb is to throw out things you
haven't used in the past five years.
Make
room in the closets, particularly the front hall closet, which is the first that gets
inspected. If necessary, place rarely used items in boxes and out of sight.
Store unnecessary furniture out of sight to give your home a
spacious feeling.
Clean
the kitchen thoroughly. Be sure the oven, range, and refrigerator are all spotless. Clean
off counter tops.
Freshly
caulk the sinks, showers, and bath tubs. Clean the bathroom thoroughly.
During Showings:
Play quiet music in the background.
Keep the shades and draperies open and turn on all the lights.
Set
the temperature in the house to a comfortable level.
Remove pets from the home when visitors are expected.
Remove personal items like photographs and items not being sold
with the house.
Let your Agent show the house when you are not at home. Buyers
like to imagine themselves in the home, and this is hard to do when the owners are home.
