Preparing Your Home for Sale

In today’s tough real estate housing market, there are things you absolutely must do in order to prepare your home for sale. Don’t put your for sale sign out (or sign a listing agreement) until you have done these things.

General Items:

First and foremost, don’t price your home out of the market when stacked up against comparable homes in your neighborhood.
First impressions are lasting impressions. Not only is it important to present your home to its best advantage to potential home buyers, but it is equally important to present your home to its best advantage to real estate agents who will be showing your home to prospective buyers; you want the agents to be enthusiastic about your home. Be sure your home is tidy before your agent holds an open house for other agents to preview your home.
Pets should be removed from the premises or placed in a secure area.
Refrain from playing loud music or otherwise creating a disturbing environment.
Extraneous odors from cooking or from pets should be avoided.

Exterior:

The exterior of your home provides the first impression of your home buyers will be exposed to when they drive up to your home.
Be sure the exterior areas around the home are tidy and all exterior furniture is clean.
Be sure the lawn and shrubs are neatly manicured.
Consider re-paving all worn and defective walkways.
Repair or replace all poorly secured or disconnected rain down spouts and gutters; gutters should be clean.
Repaint all areas where the paint is peeling or worn; power wash all exterior facades that show signs of dirt or mildew.
Be sure all exterior door handles operate properly and storm doors have proper door closers.

Also of Interest Real Estate News: Home Prices Decline

Interior:

Your home does not have to look like a museum, but it should be clean and tidy. Don’t leave toys, etc. scattered about, everything should be in its proper place including items stored in closets.
Homes that are bright and cheery show better, keep windows shades and curtains open. Lights should be kept on in areas that do not receive enough natural light.
Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms should sparkle; don’t leave soiled laundry or dishes exposed.
Consider repainting rooms that are are badly worn. Buyers tend to like light and neutral colors.
Consider replacing badly worn carpeting or flooring.
Store any unusual posters, or similar items, which may be offensive to some home buyers; keep in mind – some home buyers may bring children along.
It is best not to leave jewelry and other small valuable items in an unsecured location.

It may pay you to go ahead and have a home inspection done before you put the home up for sale in order to find out about things in need of repair before a buyer’s home inspector finds them. Get items fixed so you don’t have to worry about them after a contract has been offered and accepted.

If you have any questions about the tips listed here, feel free to contact us using the “comment” link below. We never share email addresses with any outside entity, and your email address will never be published along with your comments or questions.