How to start preparing your home for sale

Can’t wait to plant that big red “For Sale” sign in front of your lawn but you don't know where to start? Before you go ahead listing your house for sale, it is important to keep the goal in mind: to get the home sold for the best price possible! 

There's no denying that getting your house ready to sell can be overwhelming and time-consuming! But with the right tips, you can be on the right track toward successful house showings hooking potential buyers.

Here are some tips that will help you through how to prepare your home for sale so you can get the most value from the effort you put in. 

 

l Identify repairs and make a plan

Normal wear and tear can add up, mostly if you’ve lived in your home for a long period. From a door and floor that squeaks to a faucet that leaks, it’s easy to ignore minor issues that seem like quirks.

Buyers, however, may see these quirks as problems that lower the value of your home or as a bargain ticket during the closing process. If you have too many noticeable repairs, buyers may also wonder if more serious issues lurk below the surface, and that could prevent you from attaining your goal.

Go through your home room by room, noting repairs that need to be made. Make plans and plot schedules for repair or contact a professional to do so. 

Conduct any major repairs

• Reseal cracks in foundation, steps, walkways, walls, and patios. Power-wash your home’s exterior. Consider repainting in a neutral shade if there is peeling paint.

• Repair broken outdoor steps. If the doorbell doesn’t work, repair or replace it. Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.

• Repair cracks, holes, and damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.

• Replace damaged window panes, moldings, and woodwork.

• Nail down any creaking boards or stair treads and lubricate any squeaking doors.

• Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.

 

Declutter and clean

• Get rid of clutter. Store appliances you normally leave on countertops. Clean out closets, garage, basement, and attic.

• Clean and align gutters and downspouts and inspect and clean the chimney.

• Remove oil stains from driveway and garage. If you’re selling in the winter, keep walks neatly cleared of snow and ice. Otherwise, keep the walks and driveway swept.

• Wash the windows inside and out.

• Clean walls, floors, inside closets and cabinets – everything. If you must, hire a cleaning service to come in and do the job.

• Shampoo all carpets, scrub and wax linoleum, wash and wax wood floors.

• Unclog slow draining sinks and tubs.

• Remove excess, worn or unattractive furniture.

• Clean out the fireplace and lay some logs in it.

• Clean all appliances (especially refrigerator and oven).

• Clear all cobwebs from corners and doorways. Wipe all light switches, handrails, and doorknobs.

• Keep draperies and shades open to let in the light.

• Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.

 

Depersonalize your home

• Keep your garage door closed. Store RVs, boats, and extra vehicles elsewhere while the house is on the market.

• Paint the walls and ceilings off white or beige.

• Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains.

• Place fresh flowers throughout the house.

• Keep any toys in the children’s rooms, bikes, wagons, and skateboards in the garage.

• Set out colorful, luxurious towels in the bathroom.

• Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs. Make sure every light switch works.

• Buy new cabinet knobs and curtains for the kitchen.

Create a curb appeal

• Edge, mow and fertilize the lawn. Reseed any sparse areas.

• Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees. Cut back overgrown shrubbery.

Contact me today for more information!