Getting Your Home Ready To Sell
A common mistake people make is to spend a lot of money – renovations, new roof, remodeling. While buyers will be impressed with these things, spending $5000 on remodeling will not add $5000 to your sale. Spend as little money as possible, and spend it on cosmetic, readily seen features like interior painting. The time to remodel is when you plan to stay in the house, not when you’re going to sell.
If you think about everything that needs to be done to sell your house, you might throw your hands up in despair, or at least feel some anxiety. Take one step at a time, one small task at a time. Break it down to manageable-sized chores and you’ll have better results.
First things first – have a garage sale. Whatever doesn’t sell, load up right away and go donate it! Once the clutter is cleared away, it will be easier to see what needs to be done.
This is your first impression, so it had better be a good one.
Keep your yard mowed and looking nice.
Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly. Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house.
Buy a new welcome mat.
Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling, and reseal if possible.
If you have siding or brick, power-wash it. If you have a painted exterior, consider repainting in a neutral shade. This is especially important if there is any peeling.
Make sure the porch light works.
Clean and align gutters and downspouts.
Does your doorbell work? If not repair or replace it.
Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
Remove oil stains from driveway and garage.
Paint the front door.
If prospective buyers walk into your house greeted by the smell of cat litter, cigarette smoke, mildew or pet accidents, there is little chance that even a reduced sales price will persuade them to buy. So the first thing to do:
Clean, clean, clean. This includes walls, floors, inside closets and cabinets – everything. If you must, hire a cleaning service to come in and do the job.
Get rid of clutter. Put away appliances you normally leave on countertops. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Clean out your closets, garage, basement and attic.
Paint the walls and ceilings a neutral color.
Repair cracks, holes and damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
Shampoo all carpets, scrub and wax linoleum, wash and wax wood floors.
Clean out the fireplace and lay some logs in it.
Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs.
Make sure every light switch works.
Remove excess, worn or unattractive furniture.
Thoroughly clean all appliances (especially refrigerator and oven).
Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains.
Clear all cobwebs from corners and doorways.
Wash all light switches, handrails and doorknobs.
On Showing Days
Keep draperies and shades open to let in the light.
Place fresh flowers throughout the house.
Have your home well-lit during showing.
At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting in back if you have it.
Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.
Keep any toys in the children’s rooms, bikes, wagons and skateboards in the garage.