Tips For Selling Your Home

First impressions go a long way toward the sale of a home. Assuming that you have made all of the major repairs to the property, such as fixing the roof, it is now time for the “little things that mean a lot." The following are inexpensive and easy ways to greatly increase the odds of a Buyer making an offer. These suggested cosmetic changes will tell buyers that “this home has been carefully maintained and loved.”

OUTSIDE FIRST IMPRESSION (Curb Appeal). Cut the grass. Trim the shrubs. Don’t leave the garden hose spread all over the yard. Repair and paint the fence. Make sure Buyers can safely walk on the walkway by removing and storing the children’s bicycles and other toys. Remove clutter from the front porch. Scrub the front door and, if necessary, do minor touch-ups or repaint it.

CLEAN UP. Thoroughly clean the entire house, but especially the kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses. Vacuum and shampoo carpets. Polish hardwood floors. Get the dust-bunnies out from under the bed and furniture. If paint is badly worn, either touch-up or re-paint with neutral colors. Make your home look great as it is, not “what it could be” if the new owner does a lot of work. While you are at it, oil squeaky doors.

KITCHEN. Store minor appliances. The new owners will want plenty of counter top–show them what you have. Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink. Put away dishes drying in the dish drainer on the counter. Clean and wash the outside and top of the refrigerator. Pull out the refrigerator to clean underneath it. Make sure the oven and range top are clean. Fresh cut flowers out in a vase are a nice touch.

FAUCETS, TUBS, AND SINKS. Fix leaky faucets, tubs, and that commode that runs. Make the tub and sinks sparkle. Clean and repair/replace caulking in the tub and shower. Put out your best towels, shower curtains and mats.

BEDROOMS. Make up the bed. Use your best and most colorful bedspreads. Make sure the curtains/blinds are clean. Remove cobwebs from corners of windows and ceilings. Remove excess furniture and clutter–you want the buyers to visualize their furniture in all of that space.

LIGHTS. Nobody wants to move into a cave. Replace burned out bulbs.Turn on the lights–both outside and inside–when you show your home in the evening. Make sure ceiling lights and fans are clean. During the daytime, pull back the curtains and drapes to let the sun shine in.

CREATE SPACE. Organize and unclutter closets. Donate unwanted, unused clothing to someone who could put it to better use. If you haven’t worn it in a few years, will you wear it tomorrow? Rearrange or get rid of your “valuable junk” stored in the attic and basement. Buyers need storage for their stuff.

WINDOWS. Be sure your windows are sparkling clean.  Remove cobwebs from the window sills. Replace broken glass and torn window screens. Make sure the windows open and close easily.

CHILDREN’S ROOMS. Not everybody appreciates your child's taste in musical stars or pop idols. Remove all posters and signs, including the skull and cross-bones on the door. Make sure “Jr.” has picked up all his possessions on the first four vertical feet of floor space.

GARAGE. Clean out the garage so a vehicle can be parked inside. Make a trip to the dump if necessary.

PETS. Keep “Fang” and “Killer” out of the way, even if they are adorable miniature toy poodles. You love your furry friends, but your visitors may not. Pets tend to get underfoot, and someone may even be allergic to certain animals. Let Kitty Cat run outside, and keep Puppy Dog with a neighbor during showings.

SMELLS. Smells are important. Try to postpone cooking liver, cabbage, and other "smelly" foods before showing your home. Instead, bake some cookies, or put a little vanilla or vanilla extract in the oven. Light some aromatic candles. Potpourri is also nice. Keep litter boxes clean to prevent odors. Keep ashtrays clean, or better yet, smoke outside to prevent the smell of stale tobacco smoke in your home. Be sure the lingering smells are pleasant ones.

VALUABLES. Do not leave your diamond bracelet or Rolex watch on the night stand. Place all valuables, such as jewelry, out of sight or in a safe deposit box.

VOLUME. Turn off the t.v. and the radio. Put on some soothing background music that will not distract you from your conversations with a potential Buyer. During the showing, be sure that your children keep themselves quietly and independently occupied so that you can give your full attention to your guests.