Helpful Tips to Sell Your Home Faster
First impressions are the most powerful sales tools. Emotion plays a tremendous part in creating an interest in your home from a potential buyer. Make certain your home puts its best foot forward and that you follow the time tested rules and behavior that will enhance the likelihood of a sale.
OUTSIDE
- Invest in landscaping where it can be seen at first sight. A well manicured lawn, neatly clipped shrubs and clean walks create a good first impression.
- An extra shot of fertilizer, in season, will make your grass look lush and green.
- Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly and keeps light out of your house.
- Paint your house if necessary. This can probably do more for sales appeal than any other factor.
- Walkways should be free of leaves, weeds, dirt and debris.
- Inspect the roof and gutters, and replace any missing shingles.
- Replace dead or weak plants.
- Repaint or stain the front door.
KITCHEN
- This is the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive. Clean your cabinets inside and out.
- Clean the vent hood, the range/oven and the sink.
- Keep the kitchen floor clean.
- Remove small appliances and/or knickknacks on the counters that you dont use every day.
- Wash the stains on the wall. Clean window sills
BATHROOM
- Repair any dripping faucets; they discolor sinks and suggest faulty plumbing.
- Keep fresh towels in the bathroom.
- Keep the toilet, shower and tub clean and caulk if necessary.
- Use drain opener to unclog any slow drains.
LIVING AREAS
- Have all drywall in good shape. Cracks and nail holes are easy to fix.
- Check ceiling and ceiling fans for dirt.
- When painting or redecorating, stick to conventional colors.
- Replace faded curtains or bedspreads.
- If you have a fireplace, clean it out and lay some logs inside.
- Wash your windows inside and out.
- Replace any broken windows.
- Replace or fix any torn screens.
- Make sure all windows open and close easily.
- Check all light bulbs and replace if necessary.
- Check light switches and plugs to make sure they work.
- Make sure all floors are clean.
- Straighten all closets; well ordered closets show space is ample.
- For sliding doors that stick, rub paraffin wax in the tracks.
- Clean the air return vents and put in new filters.
GARAGE, ATTIC AND DRIVEWAY
- Clean and organize the garage and attic. Dispose of anything you will not take with you.
- Repair any major cracks.
- Clean any oil stains.
- Buyers love epoxy floor.
- Check garage door and lubricate if necessary.
WHEN YOUR HOUSE IS BEING SHOWN
- Keep shades open to let in light; this makes your rooms look larger.
- Have your home well-lit and interior doors open for showing.
- At night, turn on porch light and any exterior lighting.
- Make sure all beds are made and rooms cleaned daily.
- Make sure all dirty dishes are in the dishwasher, not in the sink or on the counters.
- Keep toys in the kids room in an orderly manner.
- Keep radio/stereo on with soft music and TV off unless it is at a soft music channel.
- Try to run some errands when the house is being shown.
- If you are home, do not negotiate directly with the buyers refer them to your agent.
- Refer any inquiries about your home to your Realtor.
- Take your pets for a walk when your house is being shown.
- Let the Realtor show your house and do not tag along.
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