Preparing your Home
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 Interior Touch-Ups Space Lighting |
Ventilation Pets Kitchen |
Bedrooms Baths Closets, Attics, Garages, and Other Storage Spaces |
Backyard & Exterior Areas Other Touches A Final Note |
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.
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Interior Touch-Ups
Especially in this market 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,
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Bedrooms
Remove excess furniture and clutter, including clothing. Choose attractive, laundered bedding. Clean your curtains or blinds, if necessary.
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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.
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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.
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Backyard & Exterior Areas
Your backyard & exterior areas 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, veranda, 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.
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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 it at a low volume. If you have time, bake some cookies.
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A Final Note
If you’re at home when an broker 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.