Selling your home doesn't just mean hiring a realtor to stick a sign in your front yard. Here are a few tips to ensure that you are getting the best offer possible in the shortest time.
REPAIR. Just because you are used to the cracks in the walls, dripping faucets, wobbly ceiling fans and sticky / squeaky doors doesn't mean that the buyer will be too. Homes are selling quickly, and you want to take care of repairs prior to placing your home on the market.
CLEAN. Clean is FREE and sparkle SELLS. Wash windows inside and out to welcome the sunlight. Clean drapes, curtains and blinds, removing the accumulated dust and spider webs from the corners. Don't forget the mirrors as this will reflect light and further brighten your home. Polish / buff hardwood floors for a shiny glow and clean the ceramic, bleaching the grout if necessary.
NEUTRALIZE. Your goal is to have the buyers see themselves in your home. Replace bold color choices with something neutral, beige, tan and white. Repainting and removing personal photographs will help prospective buyers imagine all the possibilities.
STAGE. Once your house is clean and updated, it's time to add simple details and decor that will bring out the possibilities in the various spaces in your home: lamps, mirrors, pillows, flowers, decorative soaps and layered towels and rolled washcloths. Home staging can be particularly useful if your home is older or if the exterior appears dated. Don't forget to clean or replace the area rugs in the kitchen and back door.
CURB APPEAL. Without curb appeal, some buyers may never go inside. Clean out the debris and dead leaves from your bushes and landscape, cutting back limbs if necessary to expose the exterior of your home. Manicured lawns and edges will showcase your home, and this is the first impression as the buyer arrives.
FINAL TOUCH. Good conversation and a welcoming atmosphere will help buyers linger in the home. Place a platter of individually wrapped treats in the kitchen, be mindful to include snacks that are dairy and nut-free (identify those with a small note). Have on display, a small photo book showcasing your home in all seasons. Select photos entertaining family and friends with memorable moments. Flaunt your home, inside and out, to its best advantage. This is the perfect time to sell the dream, and a picture is worth a thousand words.
Stand out from the others and increase your odds for success and best price! We offer a free consultation and look forward to assisting you as needed.
