Not
many people know that selling their home might require some work. Remember that showing your home for sale is
much more than simply putting a sign in the yard and running an ad in the
Sunday paper. There are several things
to consider when "marketing" your home. I've heard it said that the market rewards
those who prepare and punishes those that don't.
So,
what can you do to prepare? Here are a
few ideas to make sure your home is ready to impress potential buyers?
1. Clean everything
and make sure your home smells good! (Pine-Sol is an excellent cleaning
solution and always leaves a fresh, clean smell behind.)
2. Pick up in every
room. Leave no clutter on the floors
even in the kid's rooms. Don't forget to check the closet floors. Clutter
always makes a room appear smaller.
3. Straighten and
dust bookcases and shelves. Wipe down all the tchotchkes.
4. Straighten
closets and, if possible, reduce the amount of clothing hanging to make the
closets appear less crowded.
5. Organize your
pantry, line and clean the shelves, straighten the laundry room.
6. Paint, inside and
out. Fresh paint always makes the home feel "newer". Use softer earth tones. Nothing bright or obnoxious.
7. Leave a few
family photos out, but be careful not to have too many, An entire wall packed with pictures might be
overwhelming and take away the buyers ability to "feel at home".
8. Make the beds
every day.
9. The bathrooms
MUST be spotless. No towels on the floor. Shower curtains or doors clean and
pulled closed. Clean and smelling fresh.
Toilets bowls scrubbed – no rings
10. Curb appeal. Homes that have attractive entry ways seem to
sell faster. Extra effort to make sure the yard is well maintained is essential
as this is the first thing a potential buyer sees. First impressions set the
tone for the rest of the showing.
Helpful hint: As already
stated, preparation is key. You won't
always have a 2 or 3 hour notice that a potential buyer wants to see your
home. I've had people call and say,
"We're sitting out in front of your listing and was wondering if we can get
in right away." In this situation,
you have to be ready to move quickly to allow for a showing. Keep some empty storage bins handy and use
them for the "last minute pick up" (of clutter). Slide them under the bed or take them with
you.
Thanks
for visiting. Be sure to check my web
site for current listings.
Ken
Gordon
Living
Paradise Properties
RE/MAX
Interactive
321-684-9900