Preparing
Your Home
The Exterior
| Interior Touch-Ups | Space
| Lighting | Ventilation
| Pets
Kitchen | Bedrooms
| Baths | Closets, Attics,
Garages, and Other Storage Space | Backyard
| Other Touches | A Final
Note
The condition and appearance of your home can affect
our ability to get you the best price. Is your home in good condition
inside and out? A buyer doesn't want to have to do anything except
move in. Small repairs often don’t cost much, but they can
make a big difference. Remember that buyers can be motivated by
emotional factors (appearance, aromas, the “mood”)
as much as financial ones. Before we begin showing your house,
consider taking these few important steps. They are easy, inexpensive
ways to help you make your home look its best—and more appealing
to prospective buyers.
The
Exterior
Experts agree that your home’s appearance from the street
may determine whether potential buyers ever decide to come inside.
Stand in front of your home and put yourself in a buyer’s
shoes. Would a few enhancements draw buyers in? Is the front door
hung properly and clean? Is the paint in good condition? Are all
exterior lights in working order? Are all toys and tools out of
sight? Should you weed and neatly edge the lawn? Prune trees and
bushes? Plant colorful flowers in boxes or pots? Sweep the walkway?
These inexpensive touches require very little effort but can create
a powerful impact.
Return
to Top
Interior
Touch-Ups
Small flaws in a house can distract a prospective buyer and make
him or her wonder about hidden problems. Freshen up paint, refinish
wood or tile floors, clean or replace carpeting, and replace worn
wallpaper. Repair or replace loose knobs or handles, broken or
loose locks, cracked windows, broken screens, and damaged doors,
Return
to Top
Space
Remove all clutter throughout your house, including stacks of
magazines and papers. Some pieces of furniture may need to be
removed to enhance the sense of space (store with friends or family
or consider donating to charity).
Return
to Top
Lighting
Open curtains and blinds. Clean all windows inside and out. Before
a showing, turn on lights to create a warm, bright mood. Replace
any missing or burned-out bulbs. Your broker may even suggest
adding light fixtures in some places.
Return
to Top
Ventilation
If you have air-conditioning or forced-air heating, change filters
regularly and keep vents clean. Otherwise, on warm days, be certain
your house is cooled by cross breezes. Air your house out regularly
to keep it smelling fresh and clean.
Return
to Top
Pets
Before a showing, store pet toys and bedding and keep pet areas
neat and clean. Change or clean and remove kitty litter and try
to control odors through appropriate ventilation. These small
adjustments can make a big difference.
Return
to Top
Kitchen
The kitchen may be the most important room in the house, so help
it appear roomy, clean, and bright. A fresh coat of paint on the
walls and cabinets will make them appear spotless. Make sure all
appliances are clean and that the sink is stain-free and not leaking
or dripping. Clear away clutter on all countertops. Remove everything
you can from drawers and shelves (buyers will look in drawers
and cabinets), and repair or replace broken drawers or cabinet
doors. Consider replacing cabinet hardware or an old faucet—these
small changes can improve the look of the entire kitchen.
Return
to Top
Bedrooms
Remove excess furniture and clutter, including clothing. Choose
attractive, laundered bedding. Clean your curtains or blinds,
if necessary.
Return
to Top
Baths
Touch-up caulking around tubs and showers. Make sure all bathroom
surfaces, including the floors, are clean and free of clutter.
Close toilet lids. Straighten the shower curtain, if applicable,
and arrange towels neatly.
Return
to Top
Closets,
Attics, Garages, and Other Storage Space
Remove all clutter from your closets, attic, basement, garage,
and other storage and utility space. Organized closets appear
larger, so clean out your closets and store unused or out-of-season
items. Make sure your garage is neat and clean. Patch or repair
walls and doors, and consider painting the floor. Brighten a dark
basement with light-colored paint.
Return
to Top
Backyard
Your backyard can make an important impression, especially during
warmer months. Fertilize and water your lawn. Mow and edge it
frequently. Prune shrubs and trees, and consider planting a few
annuals to add color. Repair and repaint fences if necessary,
and replace any latches and hinges that are old or not working
well. Clean up after your dog vigilantly. If you have a deck,
verandah, or patio, make sure furniture is clean and neatly arranged,
and add some potted plants. If you have a pool or hot tub, keep
it clean and neat.
Return
to Top
Other Touches
In winter, build a fire in the fireplace for showings. Turn off
the television, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. Tune your
radio to a classical music station and keep at a low volume. If
you have time, bake some cookies.
Return
to Top
A Final Note
If you’re at home when an agent and potential buyer arrive,
leave if you can (children, relatives, friends, and staff should
leave as well). Buyers often don’t feel comfortable viewing
a home when the owner is there, and their uneasiness might cause
them to overlook some of your home’s best features.
Return
to Top |
