When we get the question, the answer differs of course, depending on the individual and their house. But there are a few general guidelines that are universal. There are several things that are not necessarily major items, but are very important. They have a huge return on investment (ROI) because for the most part, they cost your time and energy. Let’s see how to best “Get my home ready to sell!”
1. First Impressions
What the buyer sees when they first drive up to your house makes an impression through which the rest of your house is judged. Really. The easiest thing to do is to tidy up the front of the house. Clean up the old, dead plant growth, and if the season is right, plants and flowers are welcoming. If you don’t have the space, some planters will be a great touch.
Clean the walkways and front steps, rent a power washer if necessary. Repair wood rot on the trim, and above all else, paint the front door. Replace old dingy door handles and the kick-plate. A fresh coat of paint and welcoming entryway says, “this home is well-cared for.” This is one first impression that really matters.
2. Buyers want to see your house, not your stuff
Declutter! Rent a storage unit, have it hauled away, give it to charity, have a yard sale…whatever you need to do to get rid of it. After you’ve done that, go through your house again, and see if there is anything you missed. Pare down your closet, it looks like you have more space. Put away small appliances and crocks in the kitchen, make as much counter space as you can without making it look barren. Pack away knick-knacks, collectibles, and photos as much as you can. De-personalizing is an important part of de-cluttering. It’s a woman’s preference, but if you can, put fresh flowers out before a showing.
3. Clean, then clean, and then clean some more
I’ve seen it with buyers over and over again, they can’t get past the dirt to see the house. Sometimes it helps to have a pair of fresh eyes to see the dirt we’ve just gotten used to. This includes shampooing the carpet, and cleaning the floors well. Don’t forget the corners and out-of-the-way places. You’d be surprised where buyers look!
Cleaning also includes eliminating odors: pet odors, cooking spices and smelly athletic shoes. As with the other senses, it can help to have a friend come to your home and let you know what their first impression is. Sometimes we grow insensitive to the smells of our environment when we are there every day.
Remember: eliminate the smell when you get ready to sell.
4. A fresh coat of paint covers a multitude of sins…
…and it doesn’t cost that much. Make sure its in neutral colors, and by neutral, I don’t necessarily mean white and beige. Avoid highly unusual designs, strong colors, or anything that is extreme. After all, you want your space to look good to the widest possible audience. In all your choices aim for universal appeal.
When choosing a color, consider the light in each room and how the color works with your things. It’s smart to get several small cans in varying hues and paint a sample in several rooms. Consult a stager if you are in need of good advice…we know a few.
5. Make the small repairs.
Even though they are small, they speak loudly. They shout out to buyers, “If they let the small things go, how have they handled the large things?” Then they continue to nag the buyers with hints of “deferred maintenance” well after they leave your home. A tube of caulk, a screwdriver and wrench, some spackle and paint are tools every homeowner should have.
Take a good look at the grout if you have ceramic tile. Give it a good cleaning and re-grout any areas that are chipped. If you don’t want to do an entire re-grouting job, and if you just can’t get it clean, there are some good grout stains on the market. They’re super easy to roll into the grout line.
And get some Mr. Clean Magic Erasers! The. Best. Tool. Ever!
These are some of the most important things every seller can do, no matter what the budget says. So make sure you do these before you start putting money into improvements and costly repairs. It doesn’t have to be expensive to “get my home ready to sell!”
Author: Chris Highland
Reference: http://bit.ly/2lUc5v5