Maximizing Your Home’s Potential For Sale

SIMPLE CHANGES CAN IMPACT HOW QUICKLY YOUR PROPERTY SELLS AND AT WHAT PRICE 

Many cosmetic changes can be made with minimal time and expense.  Buyers will be comparing your property with competing properties.  So here are a few practical tips to help yours stand out above the rest. 

UNCLUTTER

Eliminating clutter will make your property feel larger and brighter.  If your property is uncluttered, any prospective buyers can explore it comfortably and envision it with their own personal touches.

REPAIR

Making certain repairs will present your property in a more positive light to prospective buyers and add to its value.  If you think something is too much trouble to fix, chances are buyers will too.

CLEAN

Present a clean home to a buyer shows them the home has been valued and well cared for.

CURBSIDE APPEAL

• Keep the lawn mowed and the steps and porches swept

• Store hoses neatly; be sure sprinklers don’t water walkways

• Repair gates, fences, and driveways

• Remove or replace dead or dying plants

• Cut back shrubs obscuring windows

• Add color with blooming flowers

• Clear yard of all debris

• Apply fresh paint as needed and replace damaged bricks or wood siding

• Repair any cracked or broken windows and be sure the faucets or sprinkler

• Systems are in working order

• If you have a pool, be sure it sparkles.  Keep the patio area neat and yard furniture in good condition

INTERIOR APPEAL 

Overall 

• Wash windows

• Clean or replace carpets

• Paint rooms in neutral colors

• Be sure all electrical systems are in working order

• Clean drapes and window treatments

• Clear out all excess items

• Clean floors

     Kitchen

• Clean appliances, cabinetry and floors

• Clean and clear countertops

• Repair faucets and appliances

 Bathrooms

• Clean mirrors, fixtures and floors

• Repair grout and caulking

• Repair running toilet and faulty plumbing

• Replace or clean shower curtain

 Closets

• Replace burned out light bulbs

• Hang clothes neatly

• Store shoes in boxes neatly on shelves

 Garage

• Keep the floors clean and swept

• Store or neatly arrange all items

 
PRIOR TO SHOWING

Outdoors

• Be sure the entrance and walkways to your home are clean & inviting

• Store hoses neatly

• Remove newspapers, bikes and toys

• Park extra cars away from the property

Inside

• Quick once over with the vacuum

• Place fresh flowers in the main rooms

• Put dishes away

• Make beds and put all clothes away

• Open drapes and turn on all lights

• Straighten closets and open doors slightly

• Kitchen and bathrooms should shine, trash should be emptied and personal items should be put away

• Turn off television

• Play soft music on the radio/stereo

• Keep pets out of the way and pet areas clean and odor free

• Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables

• Put laundry away

• Keep the temperature comfortable

IMPORTANT REMINDERS 

• Potential buyers usually feel more comfortable if the owners are not present

• Leave a number where you can be reached if you are leaving town, even for a weekend