Tips for Selling Quickly
and for More Money
If your home is in the best
possible condition when you put it on the market, you will benefit by receiving higher
offers in a shorter time period. Buyers often purchase based on emotion, and homes in need
of repair or in poor condition generate the wrong feelings. There are some simple steps
you can take to ensure that your home is presented in its most attractive condition.
The Outside:
Trim the shrubs around your home. They
should reach only to the bottom of the windows. Ivy on the sides of houses should be
removed for a cleaner look.
Tree branches should be high enough so that a person can walk under
them. Low hanging branches that need pruning give the impression of neglect.
Place flower pots on the porch and fill them with flowering plants.
These provide an inviting entrance to your home.
Give your front door a fresh coat of paint. Be sure the doorbell
works properly. Clean off the mail box.
Wash the windows, window sills, and
bottom of window jambs.
Remove children's toys from the front
sidewalk and yard.
The Inside:
Open windows to give the home a clean, fresh-air smell. If you have
dogs or cats, be sure to take steps to ensure your house is free from odors.
Clean the carpets and wax or polish the wood floors.
Be sure there is a bright light in the garage and in the attic.
Clean out all closets, cabinets, and drawers. A good rule of thumb
is to throw out things you haven't used in the past five years.
Make room in the closets, particularly the front hall closet, which
is the first that gets inspected. If necessary, place rarely used items in boxes and out
of sight.
Store unnecessary furniture out of sight
to give your home a spacious feeling.
Clean the kitchen thoroughly. Be sure the oven, range, and
refrigerator are all spotless. Clean off counter tops.
Freshly caulk the sinks, showers, and bath tubs. Clean the bathroom
thoroughly.
During Showings:
Play quiet music in the background.
Keep the shades and draperies open and
turn on all the lights.
Set the temperature in the house to a comfortable level.
Remove pets from the home when visitors
are expected.
Remove personal items like photographs
and items not being sold with the house.
Let your Agent show the house when you
are not at home. Buyers like to imagine themselves in the home, and this is hard to do
when the owners are home.
