These simple preparations can really improve your bottom line!
Avoid Last-Minute Surprises
They can be costly.
- Be aware of your total moving expenses before listing. Removing clutter is a great way to boost your home's appeal AND lower moving expenses - remember, movers charge by the pound!
- Reseeding a tired, patchy lawn takes too much time. Replace with lush, green new grass sod.
- Pet lover? Consider boarding your pet away during open house periods, and arrange for carpet shampooing. Your pet could disturb potential buyers that visit. Beware of pet odors.
- Be sure that your home title is not "clouded" by tax bills, liens, etc. to avoid unplanned legal fees.
Pricing and Selling Your Home
Understand the sales market.
- Don't price too high. For a quick sale, know that buyers prefer value-priced homes, always.
- Realtors won't show an overpriced home to buyers on a tight time schedule, and they are the ones most ready to buy! Attract a bidding war with a reasonable price.
- Be prepared to show your home any time. This may include evenings, weekends or holidays. Motivated buyers won't wait.
- Take time to study homes in your area of comparable value and learn about the market.
Interior
Use a fresh eye on your home - how does it look to somebody new?
- Remove personal items to make it easier for buyers to imagine their own lives there.
- The value of a home is based on square footage - don't cover it up with piles of clutter. Consult a professional organizer for a clutter-busting plan.
- Enlist the cleaning pros! Have a crew come in for extra sparkle on appliances, bathrooms and kitchen. Schedule in-home steam cleaning for rugs, carpets and draperies.
- Use a minimal, neutral approach to decorating your home for a sale. No brassy colors.
- Uncover windows - let all available natural light stream in. Use lamps in dark corners.
- Never have a "junk" room - create a reading nook, tidy playroom or parlor instead for added value.
Exterior
It pays to make a great first impression.
- Say Welcome to potential buyers with a strong paint color on the front door, sparkling windows and a tidy front entryway.
- Trim trees and shrubs to expand useable space.
- Add curb appeal with fresh flowerbeds and colorful flowering potted plants. Dress up vacant yard areas with a birdbath, stepping stones and mulch.
- Check driveway and walkway condition for cracks, weeds, and the need for resealing.
- Remove any clutter and funky garden kitsch from the yard. Remove garbage cans from view.
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