Advice for Sellers
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Once you have put your home on the market for sale, there are a few simple things that you may do that make your property more attractive to potential buyers. Depending on whether you want a basic cleanup, a quick fix, or the services of a professional home stager, you can increase the purchase price of your home and facilitate a quicker sale.
The following is a list suggested improvements and maintenance for major areas of your property:
First Impression
- Perform a walk through as though you were a buyer to see what your impressions are
- Depersonalize your house – give buyers a clean slate
- If you live in a condo, make sure the front door, porch/patio area, and any balconies are as attractive as possible
Exterior and Interior
Basic Cleanup:
- Remove clutter regardless of emotional attachment
- Remove cobwebs
- Remove dirt, paint splash, etc.
- Clean and polish door hardware and handrails
- Clean wall switches and outlet covers
- Add houseplants and flowers throughout house
Exterior
Basic Cleanup:
- Remove weeds from driveway, walkway, and landscaping
- Trim trees and shrubs
- Wash Front steps and porch
- Clean and polish doorbell button
- Make sure all exterior lights work properly and are debris-free
- Clean or replace welcome mat
- Wash windows and screens
Quick Fixes:
- Repaint house - Most dramatic way to make good first impression is through paint. It gives you the best value for each dollar invested. It is relatively inexpensive improvement that gives a dramatic increase in “curb appeal.”
- Repaint or replace fences and gates
- Seal driveway with new coating
- Clean and repair rain gutters
- Clean and repair shutters
General Interior
Basic Cleanup:
- Clean and Wax all hard floor surfaces
- Shampoo all carpet
- Clean all drapes and blinds
- Remove All Clutter
Quick Fixes:
- Repaint or touch up paint needed spots - Use neutral colors – whites, creams, etc.
- Make sure to do prep work – wash away dirt, scrap off peeling paint, patch holes, and replace termite or water damaged wood.
- Replace damaged molding
- Clean out closets
Bathrooms
Basic Cleanup:
- Seal caulking around tub, shower, and toilet
- Replace old toilet seats
- Replace shower curtains
- Clean tile and repair grout
Quick Fixes:
- Paint or wallpaper using neutral and light colors
- Make sure drawers and cabinets open and close properly
- Clean out medicine cabinet
- Replace bath towels
Kitchen
Basic Cleanup:
- Clean cabinets and appliances
- Empty dishwasher and sink
- Clean out interior of refrigerator
- Clear clutter from countertops
Quick Fixes:
- Paint or wallpaper using neutral and light colors
- Make sure drawers and cabinets open and close properly
- Make sure all appliances work properly
- Organize pantry
- Organize dishes and cooking supplies
Laundry
Basic Cleanup:
- Clean washer and dryer
- Organize laundry area
- Make sure lights work properly
Garage
Basic Cleanup:
- Remove oil and grease stains from floor
- Organize storage area
Home Tours
- Always be ready, keep home clean and organized
- Give the agent more time than necessary to show the space because buyers may arrive late
- Pets should be out of house, preferable off of property entirely. No need to scare off a buyer. Also pet odors should be controlled by keeping your pet in a specific area or outside and grooming your pet frequently. An air purifier or other fragrances may be necessary
Hire the Services of a Professional Stager
- Staging is the process of preparing a home for sale, with the goal of getting the most money in the shortest amount of time possible.
- Staged® Homes sell for an average of 3% or $26,000 over list price
(and as high as 50% over in some markets).