You want to sell your home in the shortest possible time for the highest possible price, right? Of course that is every seller’s goal and it’s your Realtor’s goal as well. So here’s a handy checklist you need to do to make that happen.
- Follow the 50% rule. Look at every flat surface in your house and take at least 50% of the items away. This goes for kitchen and bathroom counters, desktops, bookshelves and dressers. Maybe you do use that blender/toaster/coffeemaker/phone charger every day, but for now, keep it out of sight and get it out only when you need it.
- Your closets too – 50% rule. If stuff tumbles to the floor every time you open a closet or a cupboard, you won’t impress your buyers. An overstuffed closet tells a buyer that you don’t have enough storage space. So get out the packing boxes, pretend you’re moving next week, and streamline every space. The buyer needs to know there’s plenty of room for his (or her) stuff.
- Don’t get personal. When a buyer walks through your front door, you want them to imagine themselves living in your home. This won’t happen if the walls are covered with family pictures and the refrigerator door is decorated with kids Picasso art. Add these items to your packing list. Let the buyer see a clean slate, ready for them to add their own personal touches.
- Brighten up. Walk through your home after dark and on a cloudy day. Does it look bright, cheerful, and welcoming? Start by getting some brighter light bulbs to shed some light on those dark corners. Make sure there are no burned out bulbs anywhere. Check the porch lights and outdoor lighting as well.
- Show me the money. Realtors and builders alike will tell you that you’ll get the most bang for your buck by investing money in your kitchen and bathrooms. So whatever you have to spend on a pre-sale facelift, that’s where your money should go. Add some new hardware to kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Replace faucets with brushed nickel or bronze. New stainless steel appliances in the kitchen will give it a real “wow” factor. Always have your real estate professional do a walk thru for recommendations. They know what buyers are looking for and are in homes every day.
- Grab the paintbrush. As part of your facelift plan, painting the interior walls is a great investment. Ceilings should be white because it makes the rooms seem larger. Paint walls a neural color. Stay clear of bold, bright colors. Remember you are trying to appeal to the masses. Everyone has different taste and style preferences.
- Look for hidden problems. Often it’s the things you can’t see that will trip you up. So keep an eye out for problems that aren’t immediately obvious. For example, if the storage space under your stairs smells musty, air it out and add some room freshener. Make sure there are no signs of mold or mildew anywhere. Look around the baseboards and the outside of your home as well for signs of termites or other pests. Make sure there are no dripping faucets or leaks under the sink. And check to see that your smoke detectors are working.
- Add the unexpected touch. If the home is empty or needs an extra touch, consider hiring a staging company. Proper furniture placement is important to show off prime features or a rooms function. Avoid cooking with strong seasonings and foods that have a lingering smell. Run a diffuser with a citrus essential oil the night before to purify the air. Fresh plants and flowers are an unexpected touch as well.
Homes do not sell themselves. It takes planning and effort to turn your property into a showplace. The payoff is the look on that prospective buyer’s face that says, “I want this one!” Call us today for a home valuation.
