HELPFUL HINTS TO SELL YOUR HOME

Setting the stage for your buyers is everything. You want to provide a warm environment so that when people walk through your door they have a positive experience and interest is created. Think about it for a minute- put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. What would you need to see in the next house you purchase to say “I like it and want it?” It’s understandable that boxing up your family photos and memento’s will be difficult but it’s only temporary. Remember your goal: To sell your house- so create a neutral environment so the buyers can picture themselves living in your house with their belongings. Please use the information listed below to enhance the selling process. 

Emotion vs. Reasons

Realtors are more rational and objective during the selling process. You, the seller, are too emotional and attached to the situation.  You want to think of your property as a marketable commodity-real estate. You want others to see your property as theirs, not yours.  

Curb Appeal-Outside the House

First impressions can make or break the buyer liking your house. They may never see the inside of your house if they don’t even like the outside. Trim the bushes. Add some colorful plants, evenly cut the lawn and keep it well watered. Get rid of the brown spots and re-sod as needed. Edge curbs and flower beds.  No need to buy new trees. Rake up loose leaves and grass cuttings.  

The Front Door and Entryway

Paint the front door. Polish the door fixtures. Remove personal items and family plaques. Buy a new door mat. Repair locks so they work easily and the key fits properly. Buyers who have to wait to get in the house due to a troubled lock send a negative message. You want to send a positive warm inviting feeling. 

De-Personalize the Property

You want the buyers to view it as their potential home. Start detaching yourself from the house. Remove your family pictures, personal mementos, awards, special items. Your buyers need to see their personal belongings in “their new home” not yours. Pack it up and put it in storage.

Clutter, Clutter, Clutter and more Clutter

Remove clutter in the kitchen, in the closets, in storage areas, especially in cabinets, and remove any excess furniture. Buyers need to see their personal things in your house. 

Plumbing and Fixtures

Look at ceilings and walls for water stains. Look for dirt and outdated color schemes. Painting can be your best investment. 

Carpet and Flooring

If old and outdate hire a professional carpet cleaner. If you replace it do so with something inexpensive and a neutral color. Replace broken floor tiles or give a credit to the buyer. 

Windows and Doors

 Make sure they open and close properly, no squeaking otherwise use some WD40. Door knobs should turn easily, clean them and us some polish.

Odor Control:

Smoke: minimize smoking indoors while trying to sell your property. Try some ozone spray.

Animals: empty kitty litter boxes daily and add some type of odor control liners, keep dogs outside as much as possible. Use carpet freshener periodically. 

Costs of Repairs

No remodeling necessary and nothing should be fixed that will be expensive. Use savings to make these repairs. Avoid using your credit cards and running up bills which could affect your credit rating.   

Do you paint the outside of the house or not?

To paint or not to paint -that is the question. Look at your own house from across the street. Does it look warn, tired and faded? If yes than paint it.  A worthy investment adds dollars to offers from potential homebuyers. Stay with a neutral color however, shades of yellow seem to attract homebuyers, whether it is in the trim or the over all color of the house. 

Roof

If you know you have leaks and an old roof replace it otherwise you are going to have to disclose it and the buyer is going to want a new roof anyway. OR…..wait and see what the home inspector says. 

Back Yard

You want your back yard to be debris free and as spacious as possible.  A tidy backyard sells a future of dreams to the buyer. Keep the pool and spas clean. Clean up the “debris” if the dog is using your back yard. Nothing is worse than a potential buyer walking in dog “debris”.  Not a selling attribute. You might want to pack up the kid’s toys and swing set.