Preparing Your Home for Sale

As a seller you want your home to sell fast and for the price asked. We’ve all heard the saying, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is true in real estate as well. As a seller you want to put your best foot, or home in this case, forward. Here are a few ways on how to optimize the sale of your home.

1. Prepare Yourself for the Move:

Start with the mind-set that this is no longer my “home”, it is a “house”.
Don’t dwell on leaving the home and memories made, but rather focus on the future memories that you will make in your new home.
Thank the home for the memories given room by room, taking photos along the way.

2. Depersonalize:

Pack up your photographs, family heirlooms and collectibles. Buyers have a hard time focusing on the home itself if they are busy looking at family photos and collectibles. You want them to remember your home, not what was in it. Think of it as preparing for your move; you are simply getting a jump on things.

3. De-Clutter:

We are all guilty of it - the longer we live in one place, the more stuff we collect. Always tell yourself, “If I have not used it in a year, I don’t need it”. If you find this hard, let yourself have 2 to 4 boxes to fill with your things.

If you don't need it or use it, donate it or throw it out.
Bookcases and shelving can be distracting and breeding grounds for your knickknacks, remove 2/3 of the items.
Remove everything that is not used daily from the kitchen counters.
In the bath, remove everything from the counter tops. Place essential items in a basket and store neatly in the cabinetry.
In children’s rooms pack away toys, remove posters, name plaques, photos, etc., from view.
File or shred all paperwork.

4. Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets:

A good real estate agent will encourage his/her buyers to open the cabinetry and closets. After all, storage is a huge selling point. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! If a buyer sees that things are organized and not packed to the brim, it not only tells them there is enough storage space in the home but also that you have cared for your home over the years.

Organize your closets, putting items away that are not in season.
Don’t forget the linen closet; do you really need 15 pairs of bedding?
Organize your pantry. This is impressive to anyone.
Be sure to keep the laundry in check.
Flatware, mixing bowls, utensils, small appliances and storage containers should be organized in a working flow.
Remember your garage is NOT a storage container, buyers do look in your garage.
If need be, rent a storage unit.

5. Designate EVERY Room:

Square footage is next to the most valuable aspect of real estate. Imagine a buyer walking through your home and asking their agent what this room would be used for! If your home has extra space that has not been designated, the buyer will remember the space as a negative instead of a positive. A room used for storage is one of the worst things a seller can do.

6. Take It with You:

If you plan to take personal items such as window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures, do so before placing the home on the market. This means that you may have to replace some items, but it's better to do it now before a buyer falls in love with it. For example, if the mirror in the bathroom has been in your family for years, replace it with another. If a buyer doesn’t know it was there, they won't miss it. The break or make aspect of the sale does not want to be over a piece of personal property.

7. Make Needed Repairs:

Patch holes in walls, yes, even the nail holes from the family photos you removed.
Fix leaky faucets.
Replace all burned out lighting.
Fix doors that don't close properly and drawers that jam.
Re-caulk bathroom tub, showers, sinks.
Replace dry rot.
Replace chipped or cracked tiles.
Replace carpets if needed.

8. Make It Shine:

Clean windows both inside and out.
Clean blinds and drapery.
Clean baseboards and moldings.
Wax/polish all flooring.
Have carpets professionally cleaned.
Dust all shelving, photos, audio and video equipment.
Polish all fixtures.
Vacuum, sweep and make beds daily.
Clean all light fixtures and mirrors.
Deodorize if needed.
Remove all cobwebs and water stains.

9. Show It off:

Consider painting your home a neutral color.
Replace all worn-out or tired bedding and drapery.
Display fresh towels.
Stage the dining room table with your best flatware.
Showcase your fireplace by lighting a fire before viewings.
Keep it warm. Your home should be 72 during showings.
Turn on all lights and open blinds. A bright home always feels warmer.

10. Curb Appeal:

From the exterior your home is on display 24/7. Many buyers do drive-bys before setting an appointment for a viewing. If the buyer does not get excited by the exterior of the home, they will not want to go inside.

De-moss/clean the roof, gutters, sidewalks and driveway.
Keep the lawn mowed weekly.
Make sure your house numbers are visible from the street.
Trim bushes and vegetation.
Place planted flower near the entrance of your home. Bright colors catch the buyer's eyes.
Clean off all cobwebs and dust. Power washing freshens your home's paint.
Remove all personal items not in use.

11. Be Your Own Critic:

Take a look for yourself; imagine how a buyer will see your home. Ask yourself:

Does the home make a statement?
Is it warm and inviting.
Is there a comfortable flow to your home?
Is there a defined space in every room?
Does it look like nobody lives in this house? Good job, you’ve done it!