Preparing Your Home For Market

So much goes into preparing a home for the real estate market, as you want to optimize all the features of your home.  It does not take a lot of money, but it does take time and elbow grease. My clients will testify that these steps work to sell a home quickly for PRIME $'s!

​CURB APPEAL - YOU KNOW THE SAYING... FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING.  THIS APPLIES TO PROSPECTIVE BUYERS, IT WILL AFFECT HOW THEY VIEW WHAT'S BEHIND THE FRONT DOOR.  FIRST HOUSE WE BOUGHT I REFUSED TO GO IN, THE CURB APPEAL WAS AWFUL.  OUR BROKER "MADE" US COME BACK AND LOOK INSIDE...  WE WROTE AN OFFER ON THE SPOT.  IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE, I KNOW FIRST HAND.

• Make your front door visible from the street
• Trim overgrown trees and shrubs
• Clean out flower beds
• Paint front door and make it POP 
• De-cobweb the exterior of your home
• Wipe down the front door and garage door
• Plant some seasonal flowers in flowers beds or pots
• Clean or new door mat to welcome potential buyers
• Mow the lawn
• Remove any debris or unwanted items in the yard
• If possible remove any parked cars from the driveway, in order to display the house

BASIC CLEANING 

• Start by airing out the house, fresh air bring new life from the outside to the inside  It can also be helpful in eliminating any unwanted odors
• Clean all windows inside and out
• Clean carpets 
• Go room by room and clean them, “q-tip clean” or stated another way “switch plate clean”.
• Clean out the fireplace, remove all the ash, and stage some logs

ORGANIZATION - YOU ARE PLANNING ON MOVING, SO LET'S GET PACKING! YOU WANT A MINIMIZED LOOK. THE HOMES FEATURES WILL THEN STANDOUT, NOT YOUR PICTURES, DECOR AND FURNITURE.

• Clean out closets, cabinets and drawers. By taking out items you give the impression of space, and we all want lots of space and storage in our homes
• Minimize items on shelves 
• Make sure rooms are not overcrowded with furniture.  Select some of your pieces, store all the rest.
• Keep that kitchen sparkling clean - KITCHENS SELL HOMES! Remove all small appliances. By clearing the counter tops, again you give the impression of space.

BASIC REPAIRS

• Get that septic pumped, if applicable
• Repair any broken window seals
• Make sure all major appliances are in working order
• Repair any leaking faucets
• Re-caulk if needed
• Freshen up paint
• Repaint rooms - neutral colors are always a safe choice