Without a doubt, one of the most important ways you can help sell your home is to get it ready for showing to potential buyers. What follows is a quick checklist of things you can do today to get started.
The Basics – Things to do TODAY
- Air it out – People are turned off by even the slightest odors, so open the windows, turn on the fans, and get the air moving. This is especially important if you’re family has pets or smokers.
- Wash all windows – Inside and out
- Clean the carpets – If it’s been over a year since the last time your carpets were cleaned, now is a GREAT time to get it done! This also includes waxing/polishing for bare floors.
- Replace light bulbs – Bright lights make your home feel cleaner and “happier.” Use 60 watt bulbs at the minimum.
- Clean out closets, drawers and cabinets – If it looks like you have trouble fitting your stuff, buyers will fear the same for their own stuff.
- Clear the floors – Don’t just pile the stuff on shelves, this goes along with cleaning out the closets above.
- Make sure you don’t have too much furniture – Seeing a pattern? Your home needs to feel spacious, clear and ready for your potential buyer’s things.
- Clean the kitchen – Pretend your a health inspector. Clean the oven, range and the seals of your dishwasher door. Replace your range’s drip pans is a cheap, effective way to improve the feel of your kitchen.
- Clean the bathroom – Right down to the smallest details. Scrub the grout and re-caulk your bathtub, showers and sinks if necessary.
First Impressions Matter – the smaller, just as important things
- Spruce up the entrance area – Your front door greets all potential buyers, make sure it is fresh and clean. Focus on the trim, door areas and patios. Don’t be afraid to grab the paint if necessary.
- Start at the curb – Trim the trees and shrubs, clean out flower beds and invest in a few flats of colorful flowers. Make sure the doorbell is working properly, clean the mailbox, keep the porch swept and get an attractive mat for people to wipe their feet. Keep children’s toys out of the yard whenever possible.
- Let the sun shine in – Open draperies and curtains and let potential buyers see how cheerful your home can be.
- Inspect the windows – Both the screens and the windows themselves should look good and work properly.
- Clean the appliances – Make them sparkle and ensure they are functioning properly.
- Fix the faucet – Dripping water discolors the sink and suggests faulty plumbing.
- Tackle the small repairs – Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws all detract from your home’s value. Have them fixed.
- From top to bottom – Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility spaces by removing unnecessary items. Brighten dark, dull basements by painting walls and adding brighter light bulbs. Ensure your attic space is easily accessible and has a working light.
- Clear the stairways - Safety first! Avoid cluttered walkways and possible injuries.
- Pack away your extra linens – Make closets look larger by packing away your unneeded extra items. Neat, well-ordered closets show the space is ample.
- Tackle the bedrooms – Make them neat, uncluttered and attractive. Decorate with window coverings and bedspreads.
- Clear the counters – If you have limited counter space in the kitchen, keep unnecessary items put away.
- Decoration or Clutter? – Know the difference, and do your best to declutter your home.
- Clean the fireplace – Remove excess ash
- Remove items you plan on taking with you – If your Grandma’s gorgeous chandelier isn’t included, take it down! If an item can’t be easily removed, let your agent know so he can inform potential buyers before they get their hopes up.
- If you have a pool, make it sparkle!
The Extra Mile
Sometimes your home needs a little extra flair to make the sale. Your agent can help you decide if any of the following are necessary.
- Update – If it feels outdated, consider replacing the wallpaper and light fixtures.
- Fresh paint – Fresh paint on the exterior and interior of your home where necessary.
- Replace the appliances – New kitchen appliances can be an exciting feature that makes the distinguishes your home from the rest for potential buyers.
Consult your Agent
The previous lists are just a general overview of what you can do to help increase the marketability of your home. Your agent is a trained professional capable of making suggestions especially for your home and situation. Consider some of the following:
- Your agent needs to know what items come with the home. If you’re taking the shed, let them know!
- Some improvements cost both time and money, and not all of them are always necessary. You agent can help you decide what’s worth-while and what isn’t.
