Your home will
sell. There is no questions about that - weather it's
a good market or a bad market. However, if you put your home
on the market without preparing it for sale, you may have a longer
wait for an offer.
You don't have to spend tons of money
to get it ready to sell. Some cash out-of-pocket may
be necessary for painting, replacing worn carpeting, cabinet doors
or replacing broken fixtures and appliances.
There are, however, many items that
cost absolutely nothing - except a little "sweat
equity." These will make a huge difference in weather
your home make a good "first
impression."
The following are tips for
"setting the stage" to get the best possible advantage
for your dollar.
|
| OUTSIDE ITEMS: |
| 1. Spruce up around the house.
Keep lawn and shrubbery trimmed and free of bicycles and other
cutter. Keep the garden beds weeded and mulches. |
| 2. Be sure your front door is
in good condition - paint if necessary. Put a flower pot o
the front step and keep it watered and trimmed. |
| 3. Fill potholes in your
driveway and tidy up walkways |
| 4. Clean of your outdoor
furniture; remove rust or toss out items that are unnecessary. |
| 5. Straighten and clean
gutters, paint or replace mailbox, make sure fence appears clean
and tidy and doesn't sag. |
| 6. Clean out garage of
everything but cars or tools that are hung neatly. |
| 7. Repair any broken windows
and shutters. |
| 8. Repair or replace any
broken window and door hardware (oil or tighten) and make
sure your doorbell works. |
| INSIDE ITEMS: |
| 1. Clean everything in and out
of sight. Shampoo rugs, wax floors, wash walls, windows,
blinds and draperies. If you're a smoker - smoke OUTSIDE the
house or take this opportunity to quit ! |
| 2. Clean out all closets and
cupboard of clutter. As you'll be moving - throwing away or
giving away items not used for years will make your move that much
easier. |
| 3. Create a spacious
atmosphere. Store or remove any unnecessary furniture that
makes rooms look crowded. If you're moving to a larger
home - rent a storage unit temporarily to store items you'll need
to take along to your new home. |
| 4. Place furniture to create
an easy traffic flow. |
|
| 2. Clean out all closets and
cupboard of clutter. As you'll be moving - throwing away or
giving away items not used for years will make your move that much
easier. |
| 3. Create a spacious
atmosphere. Store or remove any unnecessary furniture that
makes rooms look crowded. If you're moving to a larger
home - rent a storage unit temporarily to store items you'll need
to take along to your new home. |
| 4. Place furniture to create
an easy traffic flow. |
| 5. Walls should be free
of clutter also - take down personal photos, posters, signs,
(especially in teenager's rooms). Leave only a few
paintings or wall adornments in strategic places to create a
feeling for spaciousness. |
| 6. Keep it light and bright by
opening shades or blinds - except where there might be an
unappealing view. |
| 7. Kitchen's SELL - keep it
warm and welcoming - not like a hectic workplace.
Countertops should be organized and clutter free and the sink
should be sparkling clean. |
| 8. Organize all your
cupboards. |
| 9. Clean your refrigerator. |
| 10. Clean your oven and stove
top. |
| 11. Appeal to the sense of
smell as well - a Fresh - Clean smelling house leaves a lasting
impression. |
| 12. Make sure all light
bulbs are in working order and light fixtures are dusted and
clean. |
| 13. Bathrooms should be
scrubbed and tidy with fresh soap, clean towels, mirrors washed,
tub grout cleaned or replaced. |
| 14. Plumbing fixtures should
be in working order - replace or repair dripping faucets and
remove any stains from a leaking fixture. |
| 15. Place plants in strategic
spots in any room if space permits. |
| 16. Have the house light -
especially in dark corners and hallways. Hang mirrors
where they will reflect light as well as making a room look
larger. |
| 17. Highlight your home's best
feature or characteristics i.e. Fireplace, picture window,
balcony, beams, etc. |
