Trish Bradley, Realtor®
Getting Your House Ready to Sell
01.
I am here for you with years of experience, integrity and the passion to help you in your search. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. I will be with you every step of the way.
02.
First impressions are the most lasting. Remember that when a prospect comes to look at your home the first impression (curb appeal) is vital. Your front lawn and other landscaping should be neatly trimmed and mowed. Make certain that your yard is clean of refuse and leaves. The walk should be swept, and, in winter, remove ice and snow from walk and steps. The front door must be clean and fresh looking, the doorbell in working order.
03.
Decorate for a quicker sale. Faded walls and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your house. Why describe how your house could look when you can show how it looks with just a reasonable amount of redecoration. A minor investment in paint and wallpaper will pay bigger dividends to you in the form of a better price and quicker sale.
04.
Let the sun shine in. Open the drapes and curtains. Clean the windows so that a prospect can see how bright and cheerful your house is. Dark and dreary rooms do not appeal to most home-buying prospects.
05.
Don’t be a drip. Leaky faucets or dripping water suggest faulty or worn-out plumbing (major repair bills!); discolored, rust-stained sinks are also warning signs, so they should be properly cleaned.
06.
Little things mean a lot. Loose door knobs or cabinet pulls, sticking doors and drawers, wobbly hinges, stuck windows - all are negative factors. Take a few minutes to check and repair all these seemingly minor flaws because they do detract from the value of your house.
07.
Put safety first. Keep stairways and corridors clean and clear of clutter. In addition to being unattractive, clutter causes accidents.
08.
Consider top to bottom. Let prospects see the full value of your attic, basement, garage and other utility/storage spaces by removing junk, cartons and other articles. Neatly stack cartons, etc. If the storage spaces are dark and dreary, a coat of paint or extra lighting can do wonders.
09.
Love big closets. We all love closets and you can make them look even bigger by having them clean, neat and well organized. Get rid of folded clothes and cartons that take away from the spacious look.
10.
Bathrooms sell homes. Make bathrooms sparkle. Clean stained sinks and bowls. Repair any damages or discolored caulking around bathtubs and showers. Be sure towels and area rugs are bright and sparkling. Make certain all light fixtures and bulbs work.
11.
Wake up your bedrooms. Keep bedrooms bright and cheerful; after the prospects are gone you can close the drapes. Remove excess furniture to avoid a crowded look. Use attractive and colorful bed linens and spreads.
12.
Consider staging your home. I can make some great recommendations and explain to you how staging can help with the sale of your home.
13.
Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.