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The appearance of your house and how well it mechanically functions can affect your bargaining power as a seller. There's nothing that can help a home sell more than a clean "spit-and-polish" interior and exterior.
Here are some ideas for faster ways to sell your home. These approaches have been tested and proven to increase 'saleability' of any house, particularly in a challenging market!
Begin the sales prep process with curb-to-door cleaning. Prune the shrubs and the low branches of trees that are unsafe or reduce view of house. Edge the lawn and keep it mowed. Paint or refinish the front door if necessary and purchase a new welcome mat.
If you have a porch or deck, tidy it up. Get rid of old furniture, boxes and any trash. Re-attach any loose siding, trim pieces, gutters etc. If the house exterior is in particularly bad shape, consider painting the siding.
Inside, our goal should be to make your house look as spacious as possible. It's important to remove all the clutter you possibly can. Inventory what your want to sell, give away or throw away when you move. Then dispose of these items before you begin showing the house.
Consider using the services of a Home Staging firm. Often for a modest cost they can help you see the house as buyers will see it. Their recommendations for furniture placement, color changes, accent piece additions and more can prove invaluable.
I also provide staging advice and suggestions at no charge as part of my overall real estate service. All you have to do is ask! You'd be surprised how just a few little staging differences can make a big difference in buyers reactions.
Clean the walls around light switches and remove any hand prints. Paint is your best friend! Paint small rooms that really need it. Plan on repainting any rooms in the house painted in dark colors such as dark blue, brown, forest green, grays, or any 'wild' colors.
A general rule of thumb is, "when in doubt paint it beige!" Don't forget to repair cracks, holes and other damage to drywall. Dust, vacuum, polish floors and remove cob-webs from every room.
Preparing For Sale:
A Seller's Checklist
Remove dark colored heavy curtains and try to open rooms to sunlight as much as possible. Examine all the windows. Clean and wash windows. Also, check for broken or cracked window panes, loose window caulk, and replace any found. Also repair any defects in screens and screen doors.
If patio door is thermopane and has leaked causing the glass to fog, strongly consider replacing it.
In bathrooms makes sure toilet runs flawlessly and check for a cracked toilet-tank top, chipped sinks, and broken or noisy fans. Repair or replace if needed. Baths really need to sparkle! Shower mildew must go! Repair faucets and shower heads that are dripping. Most buyers today are keenly interested in how sharp baths appear.
In the kitchen wash all appliances and remove accumulation of grease or dust from tiles, walls, cabinets and floors. Test all appliances that will go with the sale for proper function. Fix or replace any appliances if needed or required.
Inspect chimney for any loose or missing mortar. There are inexpensive chimney inspection firms available. Test door bells or chimes and burglar alarms. Fix or replace if these items are found broken.
Check the garage and storage shed for clutter and clean floor. Lubricate hinges and other hardware on your garage door. Replace light bulbs if any are missing/not working. Inspect yard faucets for leaks and fix or replace if necessary. Clean gutters and downspout strainers around garage and home.
These are basic steps to cleaning and prepping your home for sale. In all likelihood your purchaser will employ a home inspector. He may find other issues that may need to be repaired/replaced prior to closing.
Preparing For Sale
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