Preparing your home to sell

• Abra Roberts
• Feb 23, 2017

If you're considering selling your home during peak season, start preparing for it today.  Homebuyers can afford to be choosy and first impressions are everything when it comes to getting top dollar for your home.  A few simple strategies can help your home reach its fullest potential.

Sparkle & Shine! The first step is Curb Appeal...you can't get buyers in the front door of your home if the outside is not attractive....First impressions are everything.

Outside

• Keep the yard freshly mowed, trimmed and leaves removed
• Trim trees, bushes, remove dead plants, plant a pop of color in your flower beds or add hanging baskets to the front porch
• Remove clutter including broken swing sets, old patio furniture and put toys in the storage building
• Powerwash sidewalks, driveways and the outside exterior of your home
• Clean out the garage and organize what's left
• Paint the front door, replace house number so they stand out from the road and consider adding a new "Welcome" mat

Inside

• Clean baseboards, ceiling fans, and all appliances that will be sold with the home
• Choose neutral colors if you decide to repaint
• Clean carpets, sweep, vacuum and wax floors
• Polish chrome faucets and mirrors
• Clean windows
• Hide the litter box....not everyone appreciates animals in the home
• Clean the fireplace

De-Personalize - Buyers want to envision their belongings in your home

• Pack up the majority of personal photographs and family heirlooms
• Remove excess furniture and wall decorations including posters in the kids rooms

De-Clutter

• Reduce the number of knickknacks sitting around
• Streamline the kitchen counter tops - Kitchens sell your home!
• Less is more
• Rent a storage building if necessary...pack away any unnecessary items

Closets & Cabinets

• Clean out closets & cabinets...people will look!
• Kitchen cabinets should be clean on the outside and organized on the inside
• Expose extra shelf space and make sure closet floors are clutter free
• Let your OCD take over when it comes to organizing
• Line up shoes, arrange clothes in a neat order and remove clothes you've not worn in years....showcase the size of your closet and cabinet space

Design

• Remove the extra leaf in the dining room table allowing the room to seem larger
• Bookshelves should have minimal books & decor
• Replace bulbs in all light fixtures and have them on when the house is being shown
• Remove pictures, calendars, and notes from the refrigerator door
• Define each room....Dining room, Arts & Craft room, Office etc.
• Counter tops in kitchens, bathrooms, offices and storage areas should be cleaned off

Minor Repairs

• Fix leaky faucets or other plumbing
• Patch any holes
• Replace broken tiles
• Paint and caulk if needed
• Replace broken windows

The DAY of the showing:

• Take out the trash
• Bake fresh cookies
• Remove the litter box and spray neutralizer
• Open all curtains
• Turn on the lights
• Make the beds

Purchasing a new home can be both a fun and difficult decision and finding the perfect loan can be even harder.  Our lending specialists are always available to answer any questions regarding home improvements or purchases.  Contact them today so we can customize a loan that is perfect for you.  (903) 676-1900