When getting prepared to sell your home there any many steps you need to take before successfully putting it on the market. Follow the steps below to ensure that your home is show ready, shows well, and sells quickly for the best price!
1. Do a Top to Bottom Interior and Exterior Cleaning
The best way to do this in my opinion is to higher professionals! They will know exactly what to do and this will ensure that everything is cleaned properly and timely. But if you are on a budget and can't afford to higher professionals, I will tell you what you need to do.
Exterior windows cleaned!
- Start from the top, cleaning any cob webs, the ceiling fans, and light fixtures.
- Wash curtains, drapes, and blinds or replace them with new ones.
- Make sure windows and doors open smoothly
- Clean and organize closets and cabinets
- Clean floors and carpets
- Clean walls or paint if necessary
- Make sure light bulbs work
- Have all beds made! A fresh, in style, comforter set with pillows is ideal.
- Service the HVAC! A working central heat and air is a must in our climate! A current service record to give buyers is a plus.
- Check the roof! Make sure it is clean and no leaks! Service by a professional if needed.
- Clean out gutters
- DECLUTTER!- think about trying to give the buyer a blank canvas from which they can imagine themselves there!
2. Create Curb Appeal
Curb Appeal draws the buyer in and makes them want to see more. It is their first impression and sets the tone for the entire showing. The buyers imagination begins at the curb. Is this a home they could picture themselves in? If you are not the envy of your neighbors then keep trying! Again, having a professional lawn service and landscaping is your best bet, but below are the DIY steps.
- Keep lawn healthy and mowed. Seed any bare spots and water regularly
- Plant seasonal flowers to add color and vibrancy to your yard
- Make sure flower beds are weeded and are mulched to look their best!
- Trim bushes or plant shrubs where needed. Certain shrubbery can provided necessary privacy from close neighbors.
- Keep walkways clean, blow or sweep leaves regularly
- DECLUTTER- keep yard ornaments to a tasteful minimum. Put away kids toys, clean up after dogs, keep the yard looking fresh, not wore.
- Fix any broken fencing, stonework, or railings
- Clean the outside of your windows
- Pressure wash/clean the exterior walls and walk ways.
Cleaned gutters and roof!
3. Make Sure the Kitchen and Bathrooms are in Top Shape!
Anyone in real estate will tell you that kitchens and bathrooms sell the place! The buyer will be willing to over look some other flaws, if you have a modern and clean bathroom and kitchen. If it is taking too long to sell your home or you're looking to get more of a profit, I recommend considering remodeling the kitchen and bathroom, if they are dated. If your kitchen and main bath are more than 10 years old the buyer is already calculating how much that will cost them to remodel and will likely take that off their offer price!
- Ensure that all appliances are clean (inside & out) and working
- Test outlets
- Replace bulbs
- Clear counters & refrigerator
- Make sure these rooms smell fresh
- Test toilets, showers, and tubs. If they do not work/drain effortlessly then have them serviced by a plumber.
- Buy a new shower curtain and matching bathroom accessories
- Put out clean towels
- Have fresh soap. Any scented accents are a plus!
Create an Inviting Environment!
If you've followed the above guidelines then you're home is ready to list and sell! There are a few more things you can do once it's on the market and customers are coming in.
- Turn on lights and open the blinds. Keep things bright and airy. Customers want to see the amount of natural light your home gets and accent that by turning on your light fixtures too.
- Have plug in air fresheners or candles to make a sweet smelling home
- Play soothing music
- Leave the home. Customers feel awkward and unable to express their opinions to their agent if the owner is following them around. Unless you have a farm, a unique property that needs explanation, or you physically can't...LEAVE!
- Refreshments are a plus! Leave waters, especially when it's hot. Chocolates, cookies, or other snacks and hot tea (when it's cold) are some ideas of extra bonuses to make your customers experience as pleasurable as possible.
- Remove your pets during showings if possible
- Turn the air conditioning or heat on.
Show Ready!
If you do all these things your home is going to sell and it should be a smooth a pleasant experience for everyone!
Thanks for reading and Sharing!
Elisabeth
Grass looks good!