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 Fix
• 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 Fix
• 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 Fix
• 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 Fix
• 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).