How To Prepare Your Home For Sale
As the number of the homes is always being added to you need to make sure that your home stands out from the crowd and really for a few hyndred dollars you can fix a lot of small problems that will have a big effect on your home.
Now that you are planning to list your home for sale, there are some very important steps that you, as the seller, must undertake to give your home the advantage in the market place. The number of homes for sale that your home will be competing against is greater than in the past several years and there are fewer buyers in the market.
With the increased competition you will now have to create a great first impression with a buyer so that your home is presented in such a way that the buyers excited about seeing the inside of the home. Here are some common sense ideas you can implement to rise above the crowd.
If you feel like you don't need to take any of these steps all that will happen is that the buyers will over price the cost of repairs and that will be reflected in your sales price!
Start With Your Homes Curb Appeal
Everyone knows that you only get one chance to make a first impression, so what should that impression be? Start with the view from the street to the front door. Simple things like a dmamged old worn mail box are signs of how things may be inside. If your home is painted, and it's has been more than 5 years since it was painted, it more than likely needs to totally repainted or at least touched up.
Pressure washing the curb, driveway and sidewalk can have a huge impact too. Make sure your lawn is manicured and your plants look fresh and inviting. Finally, consider your front door itself. Make sure the paint is fresh, the locks work easily and the door opens with out any use of force.
Lighting is the First Impression on a Buyer
Brighter is better here so make sure all lights are working! No one likes to walk into a dark home and have to search for the light switches. Open the drapes and let as much natural light in as possible.
De-Clutter to See Space
Remove unnecessary items from shelves, tables, mantles, TV, the fridge door, floors and counters. Items in these areas tend to shrink the feel of the house. Personal items should be removed wherever possible. Your goal is to sell your home so keep your buyers focus on the house, not on you.
Clean and Then Clean Again
Buyers do not want to know that you actually live in the home!!! Clean and wipe down baseboards, windows, cabinets, ceiling fans, mantles, sinks, doors handles, shelves, make sure to vacuum all carpets and treat stains, thoroughly clean hardwood floors, organize the laundry room and pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Buyers will look in the oven...make sure it is spotless.Dirt and grime can make a buyer feel that a home has not been cared for and will frequently result in no offer or an offer that is lower than you might have otherwise received.
Garage and Basement
Don't throw all the items frm your house when you de clutter into the garage! Your garage is a place to keep your car out of the weather and offers a second entrance into an out of your home. Place items of storage in organized boxes in your basement and give the impression to the buyer that you are ready to move.
Organize Your Closets
Buyers like to peek into closets to see if there is adequate storage for there possessions. Maximize the appearance of space through minimizing the number of items in your closets. Ensure that all itmes are folded properly and organized.
Bedrooms Must be Tidy
Make sure that any irty clothers re in the laundry basket, your bed is made and the room is clean and tidy. To that end, your bed should be made, clothes and shoes should be out of site and this is the one place in the house where softer lighting is appropriate.
Paint Wherever Necessary
Do not skip this step. With paint, you have a chance to freshen up walls that will add new life to your home. The entrance, heavily trafficked areas, doors, bathrooms and kitchens are the most common areas that will need a fresh coat of paint.
Light Fixtures, Faucets and Door Hardware
Think of these items as the jewelry inside your home. These items must be in keeping with today’s style and the overall architectural feel of your home. This is another area that you must not overlook. You can be sure that your buyers will notice outdated items as soon as they see them. Replace all outdated fixtures or reduce your price.
Systems in Your Home
If your hot water heater, air conditioner, furnace and electrical systems are not new, understand that your homes value will be reduced because of it. Anything past 7-8 years will be a negative to a buyer because those items will likely need to be replaced prior to them being able to sell. This can be a signifcant cost and will put off many buyers. your price should reflect your use of these items and you should also be aware that buyers will be planning on paying for these items to be replaced at some point during their time owning the home.
Structural Issues – Roofing and Siding
There is a common term home inspectors will use when referring parts of your home . It is called “useful life”. If you have a roof or siding that is nearing the end of its useful life, replace it.
Stage Your Home
Create a welcoming environment in your home by showing each room in a clean and organized way that fits with the intended purpose of that room. If you are not comfortable or talented in this area, hire a professional. If there are two homes equal in every other way, the one that is staged will sell first.
Flooring
Is your carpet new? Does your tile meet the style todays buyers expect? If they don't, you will lose many buyers or receive offers that are reduced due to dated flooring.
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