Preparing Your Home for Sale

In preparing a home for sale is one of the most important things a seller can do to enhance the salability of their homes and maximize the ultimate sale price.

A potential buyer's first impression can make a difference of literally thousands of dollars or determine whether the your property sells quickly or sits on the market for months.

The sellers should rely on their listing agent for candid suggestions to increase the visual appearance and maximize the selling price of your property.

Use these tips as a start:

1. Front And Back Yard: Haul trash, mow, edge, weed and trim shrubs.

2. Garage And Driveway: Have a garage sale, clean out and open up the garage workbench, etc.

3. Painting Outside: Paint as needed. Purchase a new doormat. Paint, varnish or simply replace the front doors.

Painting Inside: Use light colors; it gives the feeling of spaciousness and cleanliness.
5. Carpets: Do they need to be replaced or at least steam-cleaned and deodorized? Clean drapes if needed.

6. Kitchen: Clean counter of clutter, box up and remove extra or unwanted appliances or utensils.

7. Closets: Show off all storage areas by packing & removing stuff to storage or good will.

8. Bathrooms: Replace shower curtain, Tilex to remove soap and water residue; clean it until it shines, countertops clear and clean. Place out scented soap and fresh towels.

9. Bedrooms: Tone down the personalization of teenagers' rooms, neat and spacious.

10. Family And Living Rooms: Spacious, airy, remove extra pictures, collections, trophies, magazines and furniture, etc. It gives the buyer a chance to see it as their home.
11. Lighting: Increase wattage in all fixtures if possible. A well lit home appears larger.

12. When Showing: Turn off TV, soft music on, beds made, everything picked up. Use sprays and deodorizers sparingly, open drapes and turn lights on. Keep Pets out or contained.

Try to view your home with buyers eyes...