Lori’s Tips to Prepare Your Home For Sale

Beautifully staged living room

Spring market is here and we are seeing more activity in our market place than in the last several years. Typically this time of year inventory is high, so your home must stand out. By ensuring your home is as inviting as possible, you stand to substantially increase your home’s appeal, and hopefully selling price.

The first hurdle in preparing your home for sale is to take the emotion out of the equation and look at your home through a buyer’s eyes.

• Front Door.  You may never use your front door, but that is where you want the buyer to enter your home, so start there. Are there cob webs present, does the front door need a fresh coat of paint, does the door bell work, do you need to sweep, is there a nice new welcome mat at the door?
• Clean and Clean Again.  Now go room by room and clean, clean, clean. Clean until it shines. Don’t forget windows, this will make a world of difference. A buyer will many times look over the fact that a home needs redecorating (this is of course assuming that is reflected in the price), but a dirty home is a real turn off.
• De-Clutter.  Buyer’s can't see your home’s full potential if it is cluttered. While showing your home, consider renting a storage unit if necessary. Remember, selling your home involves showing the buyer the possibilities of the space. Don’t forget to remove magnets, photos, notes and other things from the front of the refrigerator. Remove most items from the kitchen and bathroom countertops. Hide your special collections, take down most family photos. You want people to look at the house, not your personal stuff.
• Freshen Up.  Adding a fresh coat of paint or neutralizing a wall can be your best investment of time and money. This can instantly turn a room into an inviting space.
• Let there be light!  When showing the house, keep curtains and shades open. Have all lights on when possible. Bright rooms appear more spacious, not to mention cheerful.
• Curb appeal is important.  Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, maybe put in some flowers. The outside of your home is the buyers first impression.

I’m happy to walk through your home and give you my ideas. Just give me a call at 515-789-0089!