Top Tips for Selling Your Home

Contacting a Realtor and putting your home on the market is the 1st step toward the sale of your home. These ideas and tips will help prospective buyers see your home in its best condition:

• The entrance should be clear, in good repair and "welcome" buyers to your home. Paint the front door if necessary. The doorbell should be in good working order. Depending upon the time of the year, pot or plant some colorful flowers. Check trim, doors and gutters for peeling paint. Touch up needed areas.
• Wash driveways and sidewalks. Clean up grease and oil spots. If possible, don't park RV's, boats or other vehicles in front of the house. You want to create a beautiful picture when buyers drive by so they will want to stop and look inside.
• It's hard to evaluate the potential of a garage if it's overflowing. Homeowners who use the garage for storage may want to consider removing these items to a mini-storage facility, at least during the selling period.
• Eliminating clutter will give your home a spacious look. If necessary, pack knickknacks early and store. Arrange furniture to make each room appear more spacious and attractive. To create that spacious feeling, store a piece of furniture in the attic or at a neighbor's place.
• Clear out closets to display their roominess. Clean carpets. Consider replacing carpet where needed for maximum sales price. Anchor loose carpeting.
• Caulk around tub, shower and vanity areas. Get rid of all mildew. Bathrooms should be sparkling.
• Most buyers take a long hard look at the kitchen. Clean the oven, stove top and the exhaust hood. Also wash and put away all dishes. Take out any garbage in the house.
• Overcrowding gives the impression of inadequacy in both the kitchen and bathroom counters. Store items not frequently used, particularly countertop appliances.
• Items that do not convey with the sale should be removed and replaced (i.e. light fixtures) or clearly marked (i.e. mirrors, etc.)
• Buyers will not relax or closely inspect a home if the owners are present. Owners should turn their home over to the real estate agent for showing. It is best for you to leave with children and pets for a short time. Soft music and pleasant scent are two ingredients which can make the home feel warm and comfortable.
• Smoke or pet odor can be offensive to prospective buyers. Avoid dirty ash trays. They can be unsightly and a source of objectionable odor to non-smokers. Pets should be kept outside, especially during a showing of your home. Use sprays or potpourri. Charcoal placed in house plants will help absorb cigarette smoke.
• Turn on all the lights in the home, even if it's bright daylight. And don't forget the closets too. To help brighten the house, increase bulb wattage. Make sure windows are clean inside and out, and that blinds and drapes are open.
• Keep all dirty laundry out of the living areas. Keep garage doors down.