So you are getting your house ready to sell and you want to do a few things to prepare it for the sale. When a home is listed, especially on photo day, the devil is in the details. Here are some things you can do, to give you an edge over other houses for sale when they see your home for the first time.
1 De-personalize: Every buyer wants to see themselves in your house and not you. Remove things like family photos, items that might suggest a political affiliation/belief, personal mail/letters, and remove all those magnets from your fridge.
2) Freshen up: Replace non-thriving house plants and or in your garden, weed out plant beds and have fresh flowers and fruit (green is my favorite as it reminds me of $). Also, consider purchasing a set of towels that are just for show and not for use (neutral white) and updating your bedding if it’s looking dated. Final steps would be to see if your windows need cleaning, house exterior, deck or patio may need a power wash, replace air-filters and get rid of the cobwebs around your house. Add a new doormat and you will be ready go. Pro-tip: the outdoor cushions might need to be washed too!
3) Touch up and un-scuff: Check your house for scuff marks and chips in paint. Touch up as needed or get out a handy “Magic Eraser” to get the job done. Remember the base boards.
4) Declutter: Less is more. You don’t want it to look like you have outgrown your home. Consider purging or donating extra things you don’t need or putting them in storage. Garages and closets should look organized and not be overflowing. Remove everything from kitchen counter tops. Decide if you have too much furniture in your house and consider eliminating or renting a storage unit. Another option would be to purchase storage bins and packing them up in the car during showings. The last thing a buyer wants to see is your collection of hair care products in the shower, razor and used tooth brush. Pack it and take it with. Let your house sparkle and the buyer bring their own toothbrush.
5) Fix-It: Make a list and figure out what needs fixing. The more items that a buyer sees, the more they will feel the house needs work. This can be as easy as changing a light bulb. Go through your house and check things: Running toilets, caulking around tubs, showers and sinks. Are you missing a door stop? Tighten towel bars and TP holders. Check your drains and sinks for drips or slow draining. Add smoke and CO detectors where needed and replace old batteries. Make sure that front door bell works.
This short list will pay-off; leading you on to your next home much sooner! Once you’ve completed these 5 easy steps, you will start to notice (during your own house hunt) that many buyers fail to remember to make their home more inviting.
