Ready, Set, Sell!
Introduction
Think of your house as a marketable commodity. Your goal is to get others to see it as their potential home, not yours.
De-personalize the House
Put away family photos, sports trophies, collectible items, knick-knacks, and souvenirs. Create a home for buyers to view as their potential home!
Removing Clutter, Though You May Not Think of it as Clutter
Clutter collects on shelves, counter tops, drawers, closets, garages, attics, and basements. Take a step back and pretend you are a buyer. Create "open space" everywhere! Let a friend or one of The Bunch help point out areas of clutter. Rent a storage area for a few months and put the box in the storage unit - not the garage!
Fixing Up the House Interior
The 2 magic words in selling your home:
1. De-personalize
2. De-clutter
Look closely; take the time to make everything shiny and new looking. Replace a worn fixture, scrub a dirty wall, re-calk a tub or paint over an old water stain. Take a close look at the following, but don't go overboard on cost:
- Plumbing and Fixtures
- Ceilings, Walls and Painting
- Carpet and Flooring
- Windows and Doors
- Odor Control
Fixing Up the House Exterior
A homebuyer's first impression is based on his or her view from the car. So, take a walk across the street and take a good look at your house. Look at nearby houses, too, and see how yours compares.
- Plant flowers for a splash of vibrancy and color, creating a favorable first impression!
- The lawn should be evenly cut, freshly edged, well watered, and free of brown spots.
- Always rake up loose leaves and grass cuttings.
- The front door should be especially sharp. Polish the door fixture so it gleams. If the door needs refinishing or repainting, make sure to get that done.
- Make sure the locks work easily and the keys fits properly
- Determine whether to paint the exterior, it is often a very good investment and spruces up the appearance of a house, adding dollars to offers from potential homebuyers!