How to Prepare Your Home For Sale!

Home Buyers want to be knocked off their feet. They want a yard filled with flowers, the lawn mowed, the carpets clean, the front door washed, the clutter removed, all the lights on and anything else that would make a "normal" home look like a "model" home.

Your job when preparing your home for sale is to begin to give the Buyer what they are looking for in terms of condition and amenities.

If you make the effort and do the work up front, it will come back to your bottom-line net profit at the closing table. Getting your home ready for sale and keeping it in good condition during the selling process is one of the most important and crucial aspects of doing this yourself.

Experience has shown that Buyers really have no imagination or vision whatsoever and that the condition and proper presentation of your home may lead to literally thousands more in final sales price.

Buyers can only envision what is in front of them. They can't see a different paint color, or their furniture in a particular room. Don't ever expect a Buyer to see the "potential" your home has to offer because they only see what is here and now.

For example, your house may have an absolutely smashing entry with tile floors, wood trim, solid oak floors and doors, marble columns and more but if these features are covered with a paint color they don't like, forget it. The Buyer will only question why you chose that color paint and leave the "potential" to someone else.

The following pages are a comprehensive checklist of top priority items that need to be taken care of in order to give your home its top appeal.


Be neat & clean - everywhere!

This is the most important of all the basic preparations. Rooms, closets and cupboards need to orderly and uncluttered in appearance - to make your home and storage areas look as large as possible.

Being cluttered can make large homes seem very small and too much clutter is one of the biggest mistakes many homeowners make.

The solution to clutter is to simply get rid of it. Everything that you don't use on a regular basis (which means every other day at least) should be put in storage or out of plain sight.

The cosmetic features should be clean and neat. This includes walls, windows, fireplaces, woodwork, patios, front porch, front door and any other surface that can be seen.

Be sure that all household lighting works inside and outside and make sure that every light in your home is on and the home is well lit when showing it to potential Buyers.

* Wash all walls inside and outside.

* Keep the window coverings open and the lights on at all times during showings.
* Wash all visible features like your windows, fireplaces, countertops and tables and keep them dust free and clean
* Caulk any windows that leak.
* Fix any squeaky hinges on doors.
* Use potpourri types of smells throughout the house.
* Paint every wall and ceiling that you can. Nothing stands out more than fresh paint - and keep it a neutral color that everyone will enjoy.
* Make sure all stair railings are secure.
* Professionally clean all the carpets in your house. Carpets hold odors that you are accustomed to.
* Wax all appropriate floors.
* Clean the curtains and window coverings.
* Make sure any wallpaper is secure to the walls.
* Straighten all pictures and mantel decorations.
* Keep all stairways uncluttered.
* Have the furnace cleaned and inspected if you haven't done it in over a year. Keep the inspection paperwork to show to a potential Buyer.
* Repair or replace all doors, closet doors, and windows and screens if there are holes, cracks, or rips.
* Check that your doors, drawers and cabinets don't stick or have loose knobs.
* Remove any cobwebs and "dust bunnies".
* Organize closets; remove items which are not necessary and put them in storage. Large closets sell houses; well-organized closet looks much bigger than one crammed with clutter.
* Remove excess extension cords, especially those in traffic ways.
* Ensure that all light fixtures are cleaned (dust chandeliers; clean out bugs from overhead lights and lamps, etc.), and that there is a light bulb in every socket.
* Clean all window sills, as well as any space between windows and storm windows. Windows should be in good repair with no cracks.
* Remove any paint on window panes with a razor blade prior to cleaning.
* The grout of all tile floors should be crack-free and as even as possible.
* Repair or replace any wallpaper that has become loose.
* Rather than re-hang all pictures after painting, it would be wise to putty the holes and paint over them, then consider putting back only a few. All walls should be clean and free of gouges, scratches, smudges, scotch tape, posters, thumbtacks, etc.
* Screens should be clean, in good condition, free of rust and holes.
What you want to remember is that each Buyer is a new person and each Buyer will have a new and different opinion of your home. You know the old saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

Find an Objective Observer

The best way to see if your house is cluttered or messy is to find an objective, non-discriminating person to go through each square foot of your home and inspect it. This may be a neighbor, a friend or even a relative. It does not matter as long as that person can be brutally honest with you if need be. This is just one part of the service I offer as part of the entire marketing program when you list your house with me.


General Cleaning

Most people are turned off by even the smallest amount of dirt or odor when buying a home!

Sellers who present a home that is in "move-in" condition will attract more Buyers and net higher prices than those that appear to need work done or heavy cleaning. The perception in the Buyer's mind is that a dirty, messy home needs lots of work which translates into time and money they would have to spend.

If your house is squeaky clean, you will be able to sell your house faster and net hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more. You'll have to move if the house sells, so why not start packing now. Pack away anything you don't use on a regular basis and clear the clutter so your home appears larger and more inviting.

* Clean your whole house-top to bottom-from attic to basement.
* Clean all fireplaces.
* Shampoo the carpets. If the carpet does not clean well, strongly consider replacing it (with a neutral color).


Use the following room by room suggestions for areas to focus on, and as a handy guide of things to pay special attention to in order to make your home more attractive and inviting.


Odors

Odors must be eliminated especially if you have dogs, cats, young children in diapers, or if you are a smoker. You may not notice any smell, but Buyers do!

* Remove smoke, pet and other odors. Fabric deodorizers work well for some types of smells.
* Place an air freshener inside closets.


Kitchen
Kitchens are always problem areas because it's an area that you use everyday. Go through each of the cabinets in your kitchen, all of the counter space, and all of the cupboards to make sure each are clean, neat and cleared of "unnecessary stuff."

* Clean the range hood, oven, stop top, and walls of all grease.
* Replace any burner pans that need replacing (this is usually easier than cleaning them).
* Depending upon the age of the appliances, use a toothbrush, razor blade and q-tips to do a "fine-tooth comb detail" when scrubbing down the kitchen.
* Repair any leaky faucets.
* Fix any faulty appliances.
* Gather the operating manuals and warranties for all major appliances.


Bedrooms

Take out unnecessary and seasonal clothing and shoes from the closet. If you're like most people you probably have a large assortment of clothes and shoes to choose from but really only wear maybe 25% of the entire stock. Take a close look to determine what can go into storage until you get to your new home.

* Clear the top of all dressers of extra items, photographs and knick knacks.
* Make sure beds have neat, crisp linens, comforters and pillowcases in a neutral color.
* Make sure closets are neat and organized, a disorganized or messy closet conveys to Buyers that there isn't enough storage room in the house.
* Clean under the bed and remove all extra 'stuff'.


Bathrooms

It's wise to pay special attention to the bathrooms in your homes. Eliminate any mold, mildew and shower residue in your bathrooms. Make the glass and mirrors look as new as possible and double check the caulking around the toilet and the tub / shower.

* Bathrooms can literally make a sale- make sure they are ultra clean and shiny! All bathroom fixtures and counters should be sparkling clean.
* Polish chrome faucets and handles in the tubs and sinks.
* Re-caulk if any caulking is damaged or discolored in the bathroom or showers/tubs.
* Replace toilet bowls if they do not become spotlessly clean.
* Remove any rust stains, and replace faucet washers.
* If your home's water pressure is low, work on improving it.
* Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. (Any indications of plumbing problems will cause concern on behalf of the Buyer.)
* Be sure that towels and area rugs are bright and clean, with fresh towels on the towel racks.
* Clean out the bathroom medicine chest.
* Replace shower curtain with a new, clean, bright and fresh one.
* Replace any lose or broken tiles in the bathrooms.



Storage

* All clothing, shoes, hats, accessories, tools, paper, magazines, books and personal items not contributing to the décor of the room should be stored in closets or dressers.
* Tidy up all closets.
* Basement, attics and storage areas should be neatly arranged.
* Clean any indoor or outdoor storage units.
* Remove all "junk" from attic, closets, garage, tool shed.
* Consider renting a storage unit for any of your clean-out "overflow" of all items you wish to keep.


Outside

* Make sure that flower beds are bright, beautiful and free of debris.
* All hedges, trees and shrubs should be trimmed.
* Plant colorful flowers and have planted pots right around the front door (because this is the first thing that Buyers see).
* Make sure the doorbell works. Nothing is more apparent and noticeable than a doorbell that does not work. It gets your home off to a bad showing right away.
* Have your mailbox repaired if necessary.
* Keep your flowers blooming. The cost of replacing flowers is usually minor in comparison to the perceived value it gives your home - consider this strongly.
* Remove dead trees and shrubs. Add new trees and shrubs when possible.
* Make sure that the front of your home is spotless all the way up to the front door.
* Smooth over any foundation cracks in the sidewalk, patios, driveway, or anywhere else.
* Be sure that all outdoor lighting works and is bright - outdoor lighting is going to be crucially important.
* Clean the down spouts and gutters.
* Stain wood decks if necessary.
* Secure the fence and fence line.
* Wash all the windows-inside and out.


Creating Curb Appeal

"Curb appeal" is the common real estate term for everything prospective Buyers can see from the street that might make them want to take a further look. Improving curb appeal is critical to generating traffic. While it does take time, it need not be difficult or expensive, provided you keep two key words in mind: neat and neutral.

* Neatness sells. New paint, an immaculate lawn, picture-perfect shrubbery, a newly sealed driveway, potted plants at the front door-put them all together, and drive-by shoppers will probably want to see the rest of the house.
* Hand in hand with neatness is "neutrality." If you are going to repaint, stick to light, neutral colors. Keep the yard free of gardening tools and toys. Remember, when a family looks at a house they are trying to paint a picture of what it would be like as their home. You want to give them as a clean a canvas as possible.


The Front Door

When a prospect comes to look at your house, the first thing he or she will see is your home's front door!

* The front door greets the prospective Buyer. Does it need to be painted? Make sure the front door or screen door are in excellent condition. If not, replace them.
* Make sure the front doorbell works.
* Make sure the front door is scrubbed clean (and there are no fingerprints visible).
* Roll out the welcome mat-literally. Place a rough textured doormat at the front door that is inviting and it will help keep your floors and carpets cleaner during showings.


The Yard

* Be sure your house number is easy to see from the road.
* Make sure that the front yard, in particular, is fresh, clean, and well "scrubbed."
* Add charm with flowers along the entry walk or in cheerful window boxes.
* Pull all weeds. Rake all leaves. Water the lawn and keep it green.
* Keep the lawn mowed, raked, fertilized, watered, trimmed and edged, and your yard free of refuse.
* Prune and trim the trees and shrubs.
* Keep hoses and garden equipment out of sight.
* Clean/ repaint/replace all outdoor furniture.
* Keep walkways and driveways free of debris.
* Gates, fences and other buildings - garage or carport - should be cleaned, repaired and painted.
* Porches, steps, verandas, balconies, patios, and other extensions should be uncluttered, swept, and in good condition.
* Shades and awnings should be in good condition. Replace them if the color has faded.
* Keep trash cans covered and out of sight, and deodorized.


Garage and Driveway

* Tidy up the garage and show off its size.
* If you have an automatic garage door opener - makes sure it works.
* Remove oil stains on your driveway or in your garage.


The Roof

* Secure or replace all loose roof shingles and tiles.
* Paint the chimney vents; inspect and repair loose bricks or stones. Caulk where the chimney meets the roof.
* Clean, repair and paint gutters and downspouts.
* Repair any roof leaks or damaged, and have it professionally done, keeping the receipts to prove the work was done.


These are basic and most important things to take care of in order to maximize your homes marketability.

Some Sellers can go overboard in the hope that home improvements will sweep Buyers off their feet. Be very careful not to do this.

The truth is that statistically, most structural home improvements such as an added bedroom, added garage space or a new bathroom, swimming pool or a built in workshop don't usually pay for themselves in terms of the value they add to the sales price of the home.

These are usually just bonuses for the enjoyment of the Buyer. This means that the basement that cost you $25,000 does not usually add $25,000 onto the final sales price. The swimming pool that cost you $12,500 last summer does not bring in extra $12,500.

What these features will do is to give you a quicker sale because they are bonus features and add enjoyment for the Buyer.

Please call me at (802) 442-8337 for a complete report on what home improvements provide as a return on your investment. This may help you decide which home improvements you should consider.