Preparing Your House for Peak Selling Conditions
Evaluate the Inside of Your Property Through the Critical Eyes of the Buyer!
- Wash all windows, inside and out, adding to the overall impression and to help your property show in a nice, bright light.
- Remove all smoke, pet, and hobby odors from the property.
- Shampoo carpets and vacuum them daily.
- Clean everything in your house from top to bottom, from attic to the basement.
- Remove all “junk” from the attic, basement, closets, garage, and tool shed. Storage areas are appealing to buyers.
- Remove posters and adhesive from walls and doors. Putty and paint any holes that result from nails or other mishaps.
- Wax hardwood floors.
- Remove all cobwebs.
- Most walls should be painted – not just washed – brightening the property and making it look much larger. Use two or more coats to cover bold, bright, or dark walls.
- Ensure that the doorbell is in good working order.
- Make sure that all entrance doors – front door, storm door, screen door – are in excellent condition. If not, replace them. Again, this is the first impression the buyer has of the property. Lighting and cleanliness are especially important.
- Repair or replace all room doors, closet doors, and windows and screens so that they open with ease.
- Repair or replace banisters and handrails.
- Repair or replace broken tiles on walls or floors in showers.
- Replace shower curtains and keep them clean.
- There should not be any chipping or pealing paint on the interior or exterior of your home.
Evaluate the Inside of Your Property Through the Critical Eyes of the Buyer!
Your house is being interviewed by the potential buyer. Use these tips to ensure that your home’s best features are displayed.
- Open the draperies, pull up the shades, and let in the sunlight. Rooms bathed in sunlight appear bigger and make a positive impact on buyers.
- Install higher wattage light bulbs to show your property brightly.
- Remove all “clutter” from each room. Keep all non-essential items off the floor so that the room doesn’t appear cluttered. Uncluttered rooms appear bigger.
- Make sure that the beds are made with bedspreads smoothed out.
- Organize closets.
- Dust and vacuum floors often.
- Create a positive mood. Turn on lights – day or night. Open the curtains during the day. If it is cold outside, keep a comfortable level of heat. If it is summertime, keep your property cool.
- Open doors to areas you want the buyer to see, such as walk-in closets, pantries, etc. Make sure that those areas are neat and clean. Place a subtle air freshener inside closets. Close all other closet doors and cabinets.
- Remove excess extension cords, especially those in walkways.
- Keep in mind, we have worked closely with countless buyers and know how to present your property in the best light, skillfully answering questions. Please arrange to be absent during the showing of your property. Buyers are more comfortable and candid if the owners are not present.
- Make sure your home smells “good.” Empty the trash containers, remove pet beds and litter boxes. Do not try to mask odors with strong candles or
potpourn.