YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A “FIRST IMPRESSION”!
1. CRANK UP THE CURB APPEAL
Pull weeds, rake leaves and trim overgrown shrubs, especially if they block windows or the path to your front door. Be sure your yard is mowed, edged and watered. Trim trees, if necessary. Add some plants for color and curb appeal. Clean the front porch and sidewalk to make a welcoming impression.
2. PAINT
It is important to make your house generic so it will appeal to all potential buyers. A fresh coat of neutral paint will make your home appear larger, fresher and brighter.
3. REPAIRS
Fix things like leaky faucets and sticky cabinets, and replace old screens. This may seem insignificant, but minor repairs add up in the mind of a potential buyer. They tend to overestimate how much repairs cost. You don’t want to give them any reason not to put in an offer.
4. REARRANGE FURNITURE
Make sure your furniture placement allows for easy traffic flow and shows the purpose of each room. If you have too much furniture, rent a portable storage device to hold things until you are ready to move. If you don’t have enough furniture, borrow or rent.
5. PACK UP PERSONAL ITEMS
This includes personal photos and portraits. Less is more. The less clutter and knickknacks you have lying around, the more potential buyers will be able to see your home and what it offers. Remember, you are selling your house, not your stuff. Plus, getting a head start on packing will eliminate some stress later on.
6. ORGANIZE
Clean closets and organize the garage and storage areas. Sweep out the garage. When your house is organized, buyers will envision themselves living a stress-free life in your home.
7. CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN
Clean your house thoroughly and don’t forget windows, blinds, plantation shutters, ceiling fans, light fixtures and floors. If your carpet is old and stained, think about replacing it or having it professionally cleaned. If possible, wash or dry clean curtains or window treatments. Also, make sure there are no offensive odors. Remove artificial plants. Especially clean the kitchen and bathrooms before each showing. Put fresh towels in the baths. Clean homes sell!!
8. LIGHTEN UP
Let the sun shine in, and turn on the lights. Open all blinds or curtains and make sure the house is well lit.
9. PETS
If possible, make arrangements for family pets to be out of the house when it is shown. Some prospective buyers will not feel the house is clean if pets are inside or they may experience allergies. Put away pet food dishes and carriers or crates.
10. REMOVE VALUABLES
Put away all valuables such as jewelry, collectables, weapons such as guns, archery equipment and prescription medications.
11. TEMPERATURE
Be sure potential buyers are comfortable when touring your home. If it’s freezing outside, leave the heat on, and if it’s summer, turn on the air conditioner.
12. KEEP IT READY TO SHOW
It may be a little inconvenient, but until you accept an offer, keep your home in tip-top shape at all times. What this means is that each room should have a clear purpose, nice flow and be clean and clutter-free. Buyers need to be able to picture themselves and their things in a room, and taking these steps will help ensure that.