14 Tips For Preparing Your Home To Sell

Buyers REALLY Notice

1. Buyers take special notice of light and bright homes. Buy high intensity light bulbs and be sure to clean all light shades and covers.
2. Buyers notice especially clean homes. Do a “spring cleaning” throughout… no matter what the season is. Give special attention to the following: windows and screens, counter and appliance tops, mirrors, ovens, sinks, toilets and tub/shower areas.
3. Buyers notice clean windows, freshly laundered drapes & curtains.
4. Buyers notice freshly cleaned carpets and waxed floors. Replace or repair damaged areas of the floor or floor covering.
5. Buyers notice spacious rooms. Arrange furniture and decorations to improve each room. Remove unnecessary items that don’t fit in.
6. Buyers notice colors that will blend with their decor and furnishings. Consider brightening things up with a fresh coat of paint. It’s ideal to have two-tone paint in neutral tones. Such colors make a room look bigger and brighter. These colors also are most likely to go with the new buyer’s furnishings.
7. Buyers notice closet & cabinet space. Neatly arrange everything in your closets, cabinets and other storage areas . . . like the basement and garage. Get rid of all unnecessary items.
8. Who wouldn’t feel at home with the aroma of fresh baked cookies? Skip the mess and pick up a roll of cookie dough, bake it, and set it out for your buyers.
9. Done in moderation and tastefully, there is no need to remove ALL family photos. However, it is ideal to depersonalize so the buyers can focus on the house. This is a great opportunity to get a jump start on packing.
10. Buyers pay attention to tiny details. Fix all of the “little things”… loose door knobs, leaky faucet(s), towel racks, and clean and repair caulk areas.
11. Leave the property at least ten to fifteen minutes before it is shown and return after the agent and buyers have left. You want the agent and the buyers to feel relaxed and to take their time when looking at your home.
12. Keep pets outdoors and caged/chained when the house is being shown. It would actually be BEST if all pets could find a new home while the house is on the market.
13. Remove valuables from sight.
14. Want to really get top dollar? Do what the professional house flippers do. Give the kitchen the “wow factor” by adding a tumbled travertine backsplash, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.