Sellers

Selling your home can be extremely frustrating at times, especially when it comes to getting it ready to show off to potential buyers. So here are some valuable tips for getting ready to sell:

Disassociate Yourself From Your Home
Say to yourself, “This is not my home; it’s a house — a product to be sold.” Make the mental decision to “let go”, but focus on the future. Some sellers find it helpful to even say good bye to each room.  

De-Personalize
Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. You don’t want potential buyers to be distracted by your personal belongings and artifacts, but instead envision their own photos on the walls. You want buyers to say, “I can see myself living here.”

De-Clutter
As humans, we tend to collect a lot of belongings over years and years, and all of that turns into one thing: junk. Some things to consider:

  • Remove all books from bookcases.
  • Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
  • Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.

Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets
Buyers love open closet and cabinet doors, and it could be a disaster if they get opened only to have some items fall out. Some things to consider:

  • Alphabetize spice jars.
  • Neatly stack dishes.
  • Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way.
  • Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction.
  • Line up shoes.

Rent a Storage Unit 
Almost every home shows better with less furniture. By removing pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and putting them in storage will certainly pay dividends. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room’s purpose and plenty of room to move around.

Remove Favorite Items
If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them before showing your house. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, they won’t want it, and if you tell a buyer they can’t have it, they will covet it and it could blow your deal.

Make Minor Repairs
These can include, but are not limited to:

  • Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
  • Patch holes in walls.
  • Fix leaky faucets.
  • Fix doors that don’t close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
  • Painting your walls neutral colors.
  • Replace burned-out light bulbs.

Make The House Sparkle
Again, these can include, but are not limited to:

  • Wash windows (inside and out).
  • Clean out cobwebs.
  • Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
  • Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
  • Clean out the refrigerator.
  • Vacuum daily.
  • Wax floors.
  • Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
  • Bleach dingy grout.
  • Replace worn rugs.
  • Hang up fresh towels.
  • Clean and air out any musty smelling areas (odors are a BIG no-no).

Scrutinize
If you feel like going the extra mile, you can go stand outside of our house and ask yourself question like, “Do I want to go inside?”, or “Does the house welcome me?” Linger in the doorways, examine furniture placement and window hangings, and really put yourself into the shoes of a buyer, and imagine what it will look like to a buyer. 

Check The Curb Appeal
In order to get a buyer inside of the house, they must approve of the exterior of your house. Here are some things to consider:

  • Keep the sidewalks cleared.
  • Mow the lawn.
  • Paint faded window trim.
  • Plant flowers or group flower pots together (yellow evokes a buying emotion).
  • Trim your bushes.
  • Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

By taking all of these tips into consideration, you will make your home that much more appealing to buyers.