Getting Ready to Sell

The First Impression Counts . . . Make it a Positive One!

Exterior Tips:

• It's estimated that more than half of all houses are sold before buyers even get out of their cars.

• Stand across the street from your home and review its curb appeal. What can you do to improve the very first impression?

• Keep sidewalks and patios hosed off. Hose down house siding to remove cobwebs and dirt. Hose down your garage and clean your driveway of any grease spots. A garage can be an important selling point for your home and a good spraying with a garden hose and just a drop of industrial strength cleaner can make a difference.

• Mow, trim, weed and water lawns and gardens. Add a fresh layer of bark or gravel if needed. Plant flowers for color.

• The front door is one of the first things prospective buyers see. If it shows signs of wear - clean it, stain it or paint it.

• Make sure the doorbell and porch lights work.

• Remove trash and debris from the yard and around the house,

• Remove extra vehicles from view.

• Repair any fences or gates.

• Remove Christmas lights that may still be hanging.

• Paint exterior window sashes, trim and shutters. Repainting the entire exterior can be expensive and unnecessary - unless there is bad blistering or peeling.

Interior Tips:

• When showing your home to prospective buyers, you want to make everything looks spacious, organized, bright, warm and homey. Start with a full housecleaning from top to bottom. Don't let dirt and clutter obscure your home's good points. A clean home will sell a lot faster than a dirty one.

• Be sure walls are clean and free of dirt and fingerprints. Consider a fresh coat of paint if washing doesn't do the trick

• Wash all windows and sills

• Curtains and drapes should be freshly clean.

• Arrange furniture to make rooms appear spacious and attractive.

• Replace any burned out light bulbs. You can make rooms seem warmer and brighter by using high intensity light bulbs that give the house a warm glow.

• Discard or replace any dying houseplants.

Kitchen & Bathroom Tips:

• The bathroom and kitchen are focal points for most buyers. Be sure that those rooms are clean and clear of clutter.

• Clear extra appliances, accessories, etc. from clutter.

• Polish sinks and remove stains.

• Clean appliances thoroughly inside and out.

• Straighten and remove excess papers from kitchen memo area.

• Clean out your cabinets and drawers.

• Buy a new shower curtain, you can always take it with you when you move.

Uncluttering Tips:

• Eliminating clutter will give your home a more spacious look. By removing or storing things you don't need, you create a roomy, comfortable feeling that will be inviting to prospective buyers. If a house is too cluttered, the buyer will have a hard time imagining themselves and their belongings in it. Remember- When in doubt, move it out.

• Clean out closets to display their roominess. Prospective buyers love to inspect for storage space, so it's important to make whatever closets you have look as spacious as possible.

• Be sure clothes are hung neatly and shoes and other objects are neatly arranged. If something you have stored away hasn't been worn or used in the last year, chances are it will never be. Throw it away, sell it, or give it to charity.

• Have a garage sale! Not only will you be reducing clutter, but you can use the money you earn to finance your touchups.

• Straighten bookshelves, remove unnecessary papers from coffee tables.

• In children's rooms, straighten or store extra toys, and remove distracting posters. Arrange toys to look fun and inviting. Open a book on a night stand, add a flowering plant and arrange decorative pillows or shams on the bed.

• If you have a spare room or storage area, turn it into an area with a purpose. If it's too small to be a bedroom, make it a study, hobby center or office.

Cleaning Tips:

• When a home is clean, it gives the impression that it has been well cared for. Some fresh paint and a one time cleaning service can make your house look like new.

• Be sure every room smells as good as it looks, paying special attention to pet areas, children's nurseries and bathrooms.

• Polish all brass and chrome fixtures.

• Polish mirrors so they sparkle.

• Scrub and wax floors.

• Clean and deodorize carpets. If your carpet looks worn, consider replacing it, you may not recover the costs but you home will probably sell faster. 

• Clean and deodorize garbage area

• Clean sliding door track so the door moves quietly and smoothly.

Repairing Tips:

• Making little repairs can make a big difference. Although many families learn to live with a broken doorknob or cracked window, all of these little things should be fixed when selling. The savvy homeowner concentrates his efforts on cosmetic repairs that cost relatively little but return a lot on the investment.

• Repair leaking faucets, running toilets, grout and caulking as needed..

• Patch and paint wall and ceiling cracks.

• Repair or replace loose doorknobs, drawer pulls, sticking doors and windows and warped drawers, cabinet handles, towel racks, switch plates and outlet covers.

• Tack down any loose molding and glue down any lifted wallpaper.

Neutralizing:

• Try to create an appearance that allows the buyers to picture themselves living there. Natural paint, decor and carpeting create a home for any lifestyle.

• Eliminate distracting colors and accessories so that buyers can concentrate on positive impressions.

• Brighten things with fresh paint. White, off-white, or beige walls make a room look bigger and lighter. Interior painting costs very little and it can make a big difference in buyer perception - so go ahead and do it. Don't bother hanging new wallpaper, repaint the woodwork instead.

Don't Over Improve:

• Preparing your home for sale doesn't need to be expensive or time-consuming, as long as you keep up with normal maintenance. In the event you do not have the time to do the cleaning or repair work, consider hiring a professional. It could save you time and money later. And a few hundred dollars well spent can be the best investment you'll ever make. remember, you need to think like a buyer now and have a cynical eye.

• Use caution in planning any major improvements that you think will enable you to get more for the house than you paid for it. Of course, an investment in a paint job where it's obviously needed will be worth the cost. The same is true with carpeting that is shabby enough to be a turn-off.

• Most people out shopping for a home would rather plan their own major changes, and you are usually wiser to sell them the potential at a price they can afford.

Showing the Home:

• When it's time for your agent to show your home, all your preparations will be worth it. Here are a few final tips that can add that extra touch.

• The television and radio should be turned off. Let the sales person and buyer talk, free of disturbances.

• Send children and pets outdoors to play. This will eliminate confusion and keep the prospect's attention focused on your home.

• Be absent during showings. Many prospects feel like intruders when the owners are present. They tend to hurry away, or fail to ask the questions they'd really like to ask. Your absence will put buyers at ease, and give them a chance to spend more time looking at your home and absorbing it's advantages.

• Leave drapes open for light and airiness. If it's evening, all lights should be turned on to give rooms a larger appearance and a cheerful effect.

• Be sure the kitchen sink is free of dishes and rooms are uncluttered. Make sure trash baskets are empty.

• Prepare a fire for open houses. Set out a game, a book, or a hobby project. Set out nice towels in kitchen and bathrooms.

• Make sure rugs are clean and straight. Set a comfortable temperature. Do a "once over" cleaning, vacuum, sweep and dust. Final check every room.

• Be courteous but don't force conversation with potential buyers. They want to inspect your house, not pay a social call.

• Open all windows to freshen rooms. Set tables with flowers and linens.

• Never apologize for the appearance of your home, after all it's been lived in.

• The salesperson knows the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don't follow along. You will be called if needed.

• Let your Real Estate Professional discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. Your Real Estate Professional is better qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

• Keep your home on the market. Let your agent show your home even when you are not there. If you don't, you're limiting your prospects and actually keeping your house off the market for potential buyers.

• If buyers just drop by and aren't accompanied by a real estate agent, it's best not to show your home. Ask for their names and phone numbers and provide it to your agent for follow up.

• Always keep your home ready to be shown. Your agent will try to give you as much advanced warning as possible. Similarly other agents may call to arrange showings. Always be prepared.

• One way to give your home added value without adding a lot of expense is to purchase a home warranty plan to protect against failure of major appliances. This warranty protection usually gives your buyer a full year's warranty, plus it protects you while your home is on the market and it doesn't cost you a nickel until your home sells.