Ways To Make Your Home Sell Faster
Outside
| 1. First impressions are the most important! Most people decide within the first five minutes if they are interested in buying a particular home.
2. One of the first things people like to see is a neat clean yard with a well manicured lawn and shrubs, shoveled sidewalks, and steps in the Winter. Paint your home if necessary. Check your roof, gutters and downspouts. Damaged or missing shingles can make a perfectly good roof look questionable to a buyer. Repair or replace any broken steps, shutters, etc.
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Kitchen Area
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1. Keep the kitchen as clean as possible at all times for showings. Make sure counters are free of appliances or other items—this makes them look larger. Keep the area bright. Consider painting, and repairing or replacing damaged flooring.
2. Remember, to many people, the kitchen is the most important room in the house.
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Living Areas
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1. Repair any damaged walls. Fix the source of any leaks in the ceiling, then repaint the damaged areas. Paint with standard colors, so a potential buyer won't feel the need to repaint immediately. Replace damaged or faded window coverings. Keep windows clean, and repair damaged glass or screens. Be sure all windows and doors open and close freely.
2. Be sure light switches work. Replace any burned out light bulbs. Keep the floors clean of clutter, well swept, and shined if necessary. Keep closets neat and clean. The fewer things "packed" in your closets, the bigger they will appear. Storage is very important to buyers.
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Bathrooms
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1. Repair any leaking faucets. Keep towels clean and neatly hung.
2. Remove any stains from sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. Unclog slow drains. Repair any water damaged walls or flooring.
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Garage, Basement, Attic
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1. Clean out these areas and dispose of anything you do not need or want. Package up the things you are going to move. Keep the areas well lit, if possible. Keep stairways clean. Consider painting darker areas a light color. Clean oil and grease stains from garage floors and driveways.
2. Make sure attic, basement, or crawl spaces are accessible. Buyers like to see these areas.
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General Comments About Showing Your Home
Let the real estate professional show your home, and don't tag along! If they have questions, they will ask you if you're available, or they will get answers later. Don't offer comments, suggestions, etc. It's always best if you can leave or stay completely out of the way. Buyers do not feel comfortable taking a good look if the owner is watching them. Keep window coverings open, and/or lights on. A well-lit home looks larger. Avoid as much clutter as possible, including toys, excess furniture, boxes, etc. And remember, keep pets outdoors, and/or controlled during showings.
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