Preparing your home, so it’s more attractive to the buyers
When presenting your home to prospective buyers, first impressions are crucial. Depending on the condition of your home there are three kinds of improvements that will impress buyers and help you sell for top market value: renovations, upgrades and repairs, re-organization, and maintenance.
Here are a few market smart "makeovers" you might consider
Kitchen:
Even a minor facelift – for instance, new paint, floor covering, cabinet doors and hardware – can pay off in a faster sale at a better price.
Bathrooms:
Opt for good lighting, large mirrors, attractive fixtures, and materials. Plenty of storage in neutral colors.
When considering renovations in anticipation of selling, there are two important rules: don’t over-renovate, and be careful not to make renovations which please you personally, but which might turn off otherwise interested buyers.
Re-organization and maintenance- The obvious that needs doing:
Similar to necessary repairs, basic reorganization and maintenance tasks are "must-dos". While buyers might not notice such work when it’s done, they’re sure to notice when it isn’t. This impression of neglect will make it more difficult for them to comfortably project themselves into your home’s living space.
- Mow and rake the lawn.
- Clean sidewalks and driveway.
- Remove all unnecessary items from the exterior of the house.
- Clean off your outdoor furniture and remove any in poor repair.
- Clean your air conditioner.
- Clear out the garage of everything but cars. Throw out all unnecessary items, and then thoroughly organize and clean everything that remains.
- If you have a pool, make sure it’s clean and functioning well or properly closed in the off-season.
Interior:
- Clean and tidy the entrance
- Create space by storing all excess furniture.
- Remove from closets, cabinets and shelves any clothes and other items you won’t need until after moving.
- Organize kitchen counter tops, removing some appliances if necessary, to make them look as spacious as possible.
- Thoroughly clean everything in and out of sight
- Remove all odors and add air freshener, dishes for potpourii, etc. for scent.
- Throw away any unnecessary items in an unfinished basement.
A few words about clutter...
For most buyers, cluttered homes tend to appear smaller. Clutter-free homes generally seem brighter, more open and spacious. Additionally, clutter-free homes can make it easier for buyers to visualize their own interior design ideas, as well as the placement of all their belongings.
While you may have many beautiful and meaningful belongings, they might make it more difficult for you to sell and cost you thousands of dollars when you do. Be sure to consult a REALTOR in this regard.
