Get Your Home Ready To Sell
A common mistake people make is to spend a lot of money on renovations, a new roof, or remodeling. While buyers will be impressed with these things, spending $5000 on remodeling will not add $5000 to your sale. Spend as little money as possible, and spend it on cosmetic, readily seen features like interior painting, new light switch coverings, or new caulking in the bathroom. The time to remodel is when you plan to stay in the house, not when you’re going to sell.
If you think about everything that needs to be done to sell your house, you might throw your hands up in despair, or at least feel some anxiety. Take one step at a time, one small task at a time. Break it down to manageable-sized chores and you’ll have better results.
First things first – have a garage sale
Whatever doesn’t sell needs to be set out for a donations pickup. Once the clutter is cleared away, it will be easier to see what needs to be done.
This is your first impression, so it should be a good one.
-Edge and mow the lawn regularly. Make sure it’s well watered and reseed any sparse areas.
-Put a bright coat of paint on your mailbox.
-Buy a new welcome mat.
-Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling, and reseal if possible.
-If you have siding or brick, power-wash it. If you have a painted exterior, consider repainting in a neutral shade. This is especially important if there is any peeling.
-Make sure the porch light works.
-Clean and align gutters and downspouts.
-If the doorbell doesn’t work, repair or replace it.
-Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
-Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
-Remove oil stains from driveway and garage.
-Store RVs, boats and extra vehicles (anything that can’t be parked in the garage) elsewhere while the house is on the market.
-Paint the front door.
Make sure prospective buyers walk into a pleasant smell; if there is cat litter, cigarette smoke, mildew or pet accidents, there is little chance that even a reduced sales price will persuade them to buy. What to do:
-Clean, clean, clean. This includes walls, floors, inside closets and cabinets – everything. If you must, hire a cleaning service to come in and do the job.
-Get rid of clutter. Put away appliances you normally leave on countertops. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Clean out your closets, garage, basement and attic.
-Repair cracks, holes and damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
-Unclog slowly draining sinks and tubs.
-Clean out the fireplace and lay some logs in it.
-Mend torn screens. Clean out all window tracks.
-Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs.
-Make sure every light switch works.
On Showing Days
-Keep draperies and shades open to let in the light.
-Place fresh flowers throughout the house.
-Have your home well-lit during showing.
-At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting in back if you have it.
-Set out colorful, luxurious towels in the bathroom.
- Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.
-Keep any toys in the children’s rooms and put bikes, wagons and skateboards in the garage.
-Play pleasant music at low volume.
-Unless you’re selling it yourself, let the agent show your house, and don’t tag along.