Preparing Your Home to Sell

Posted on 22. Feb, 2010 by Peter Kui

First Impressions Last Longest – The first thing a prospective buyer notices is your front door. Give it a well-scrubbed look. Repaint if necessary. Be sure your lawn, shrubs, and tree are well maintained.

Look at the Basics Around Your House – Check all doors, windows, and cabinets to be sure they appear clean and operational. Tighten loose doorknobs.

Ideas on What to Update – Dated wallpaper, woodwork, walls, doors, screens with tears and holes, and worn or spotted carpet are buyer turnoffs. Fresh paint, carpet cleaning, and a thorough home cleaning are all good nominal cost sweat equity investments that make a difference.

Let the Sun Shine In – Have a professional clean any exterior windows is always a good idea. Open draperies and curtains to give your home a bright and cheery look. Darkened rooms have a less appeal and make rooms and interior areas appear smaller.

Clear the Deck – Clear all unnecessary objects from the kitchen and bathrooms. Clear the countertops. Remove message and pictures from the refrigerator. A clean look throughout helps buyers to mentally move their own things into the home. Less is more, always!

Kitchen and Bathrooms Sell Homes – Make them bright, clean and sparkling. Replace foggy or blurry mirrors. Repair leaks and old lighting fixtures. Clean up dirty grout and re-caulk the sink and bath tub. Install a new shower curtain.

Closet and Storage Space is Precious Space – Buyers always want lots of closets and storage space. Be sure yours are well organized and uncluttered.