Preparing Your House For Sale

How Will Buyers See Your Property? 

It is important for a property to make the best possible impression on prospective buyers.

Details make the difference.

First Focus On Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is your first chance to entice buyers.  Focusing your efforts on the front of your house will assist in grabbing buyer's attention.  It's true that first impressions are lasting, so be sure that your house creates a strong first impression.  They call it curb appeal for a reason!

Here are some suggestions to increase the curb appeal of your house:

Mow, weed, trim and water your lawn regularly                   

Paint our thoroughly was the exterior of your house

Place a new welcome mat at the door

Make sure you can read your house address numbers

Was the windows so that are transparent

Remove extra vehicles from the driveway

Repair damaged screens and windows

Sweep the walkway and driveway as needed

Remove distracting lawn ornaments

Clean up after your pets on a daily basis

Repair any fence or gate

Make sure your roof and gutter are in good shape

Use plants and flowers to create an inviting and beautiful exterior

Hang a new wreath on the front door

Create Neutral And Welcoming Living Areas

Your house may fulfill all the criteria potential buyers want for location, price, style and amenities, but it still needs to make an emotional connection.  Inspire buyers by creating scenarios where they can picture themselves.    To do so, create a neutral slate using subtle colors in your entryway, living room, family room and dining room:  eliminate excess personal memorabilia: and engage all of the sense with soft music, a warm fire and fresh flowers.

Here are a few ideas to make your place say, "Welcome, You're Home" to potential buyers:

Ensure a clean, organized entryway for appeal

Remove clutter such as stray newspapers and outdated magazines

Paint walls a neutral color scheme

Repair wall and ceiling cracks

Scrub and wax or seal floors

Make sure carpet is spotless and fresh smelling

Wipe down all light fixtures so that each room sparkles

Clean draperies and blinds

Scale back family photos to a few tastefully framed pictures

Rearrange furniture in the family room and living room for openness

Eliminate pet and smoking odors

Highlight The Kitchen And The Bathrooms

Two key areas that buyers tend to focus on are the kitchen and the bathrooms.  A clean kitchen sends a positive message.  And a beautiful bathroom is compelling.  Many buyers prefer to buy a house classified as "move-in condition," so make sure you repair leaky faucets, remove rust stains and fix sticky drawers.

Here's what you can do to impress potential buyers:

Place seldomused small appliances in cupboards           

Wipe down insides of drawers and install dividers

Make sure your mirrors and appliances shine

Inspect the cabinets and clear the countertops

Check for leaky faucets, and caulk sinks and tubs

Lay an open cookbook on the counter

In the bathroom, create a mini-spa with guest soaps, bath oils and thick towels

Repair missing grout and tiles

Deodorize garbage disposal, dishwasher and trash can

Focus On The Bedrooms, The Basement And The Backyard

Turn your attention to the rest of the house.  Take a close look at the bedrooms, basement and the backyard.  And remember to inspect the garage, shop and laundry room.  These often overlooked areas can impress potential buyers, setting your house apart from the competition.

A clean house sends a positive message that you also took care of major items such as the roof and the furnace.

Here  are a few items to pay special attention to:

Vacuum under the beds

Organize closets

Place a scented candle on the nightstand, and fold a quilt at the end of the bed

Put scented paper or sachets in closets

Beautify your entertainment center by adding a few books, art and pottery

Hang a picture in the laundry room

Wipe down the washer, dryer, furnace, water softener and other appliances

Put tools in bins in the garage or shop

Refresh patios by powerwashing and give wood decks a boost

Place lawn furniture and small tables in conversational groupings outside

A comparatively small investment in time, money and effort to remove these distractions can lead to strong offers from buyers.  By making potential buyers feel welcome and comfortable, you can subtly influence their attitude toward your house...

We will advise you on the necessary steps to prepare your property to market.