Selling your home Step 1
The home that stands out among similarly-priced houses is the home that sells. Why? Because it makes a good first impression that lasts right to the settlement table. You may not be able to improve the market value of your home, but you can improve it's marketability.
Put yourself in your buyers shoes. CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN everything! Even if you think it doesn't need to be cleaned, clean it one last time anyways! You'll be surprised what comes off of surfaces you don't think need it!
While you're cleaning, clean it out. Get rid of items you don't want. Box up items you want to make sure move with you, so you're guaranteeing that they'll be packed away safely. Have a garage sale of arrange for a charity to pick up your unwanted items.
Here's some tips for some areas of your property:
Put yourself in your buyers shoes. CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN everything! Even if you think it doesn't need to be cleaned, clean it one last time anyways! You'll be surprised what comes off of surfaces you don't think need it!
While you're cleaning, clean it out. Get rid of items you don't want. Box up items you want to make sure move with you, so you're guaranteeing that they'll be packed away safely. Have a garage sale of arrange for a charity to pick up your unwanted items.
Here's some tips for some areas of your property:
Living Room & Dining Room: Strive for a lived-in, cozy feeling. Discard worn, chipped or frayed furniture. Open the curtains and clean off the tabletop. Furnishings here and throughout the house should be well places and in good repair. Set out fresh flowers.
Kitchen: Many buyers judge the house by the way the oven and stove are kept. Appliances should be spotless and in working condition. Replace or repair anything that sticks, squeaks or drips. Counter, cooking, cabinet and eating spaces should be kept open and uncluttered without countertop appliances. Clean the butcher block. Floors and walls should be inviting light colors, and resistant to grease and moisture.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms: The second most appealing room to the buyer (after the kitchen) is the Master Bedroom. Unclutter here, and make sure your areas are defined (sleeping, dressing, sitting, etc). Show the true size of the closets by removing or packing away items that can be stored elsewhere, like off-season clothes. In the bathroom, practicality combines with attractiveness. The sink, toilet, bathtub, tile and even the shower curtains should be immaculate. Fix leaky faucets and if there are rust stains, it could be a sign of faulty plumbing. Repair/replace caulking and grouting. Minor flaws suggest neglect to the prospective buyer. Light should be soft but bright.
Rec Room/Basement: An atmosphere of relaxation, fun and activity should pervade. Open space to accommodate an assortment of activities. Make sure the fireplace or wood stove is clean, with fresh logs. If you have a workspace in the basement, hang tools on peg boards and put items on shelves. Cure any damp smell by placing bags of limestone in the damp area. Clean the water heater, change the furnace filter (consider having it serviced), and make any inspection -access easy. Painting the walls can brighten a basement. If your laundry is here, clean around the machines and consider cleaning the washer, as sometimes it can grow an odor.
