Selling a house can be a very involved process, but by joining efforts with an experienced real estate firm, it can also be a quick and profitable experience. “Most people are looking for a home in ‘move in’ condition, so when you make an effort to present your property as such, it often results in a faster sale and higher profit,” explains Bob Bower of Bob & Berta Bower - Alain Pinel Realtors. To effectively prepare your house for the market, consider the following tips:
Exterior appeal
• A well-kept front yard implies a well-maintained home, so it’s a good idea to cut your lawn, rake leaves and sweep the sidewalk every week. Trim hedges and flowerbeds, prune trees regularly and add fresh mulch to freshen up the entire yard.
• Put lawn equipment, toys and other outdoor items in storage.
• Clean all windows inside and out, including screens. This is also a good time to inspect and fix the screens. • Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling. Repair if needed.
• Clean gutters and inspect and clean the chimney.
• Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
• Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
• Power-wash the driveway and remove any weeds in the seams.
• Keep your garage door closed.
• Ensure all exterior lighting is working and clean.
• Clean, paint or re-stain the front door. Polish or replace door fixtures such as knobs and locks.
• Make sure the entry light and doorbell are in working order.
Interior appeal
• Thoroughly clean every room in the house, paying special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. This will make your house appear bigger and brighter.
• Remove clutter and pack away photos, family heirlooms and other personal items. Prospective buyers like to visualize themselves living in your home, and getting rid of clutter will make the house feel more spacious. • Repaint dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint.
• Repair or replace dirty faucets and showerheads. Buy and display fresh, new towels in the bathrooms.
• Spruce up your kitchen by investing in new cabinet knobs, curtains or a coat of neutral paint.
• Ensure there are no strong odors in your home.
• Consider hiring a professional cleaning service once every few weeks while the house is on the market. Selling a home can be a stressful time, and it’s often difficult to maintain the level of cleanliness that’s needed to sell your home for top dollar.
