How to Give Yourself an Edge to Sell your Home - Part 2

If you've watched any of the shows on T.V. on how to stage your home for selling, you already know about decluttering, rearranging your furniture and just paring down in general. But here are some things to do while your house is on the market to keep it looking it's best and ready for home buyers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• cleaning supplies
• vacuum
• rags & a broom

1. I think we've all heard enough that while our homes are on the market, they no longer are our homes to live in. The house and yard must be kept ready at all times for a potential buyer to come thru. Therefore, we have to keep everything picked-up and clean so the house shows it's best. If your selling then your probably looking to buy your next home. With the internet as our best selling and buying tool, we can see great pictures of homes for sale. But have you seen pics of a house that looks like the whole family just rushed out the door for their day and didn't give any forethought to how the pictures would look? Here are a few things you should always do before your house is photographed or shown to a buyer.

2. The first pic is usually of the front of the house. Keep your lawn mowed and the walkways swept. If you have a glass storm door, keep the glass clean. The front door is the first impression buyers have of your house. A pot of flowers or other decor will tell the buyer that you care what your home looks like. It's a good impression of what's to come.

3. Realtors will tell you that it's the kitchen and bathrooms that will sell your home. Keep these rooms as clean as possible, do not leave any dirty dishes on the counter or in the sink. Clean the sinks in both kitchen and the bathroom. Keep disinfecting wipes in the bath to wipe the toilet down daily in between regular cleaning. Keep the toilet seat down as well, it just looks better. Fold your towels and hang them up. After the last person takes a bath or shower, take a old towel and wipe the tub and walls down. This will keep the tub looking clean and the fixtures free of spots. Keep your floors clean by running the vacuum often and if you dust every few days, your furniture will always look clean.

Tips & Warnings

• During the day when your most likely to have buyers in your home, keep all your drapes and blinds open. The more light, the better, which means keep your windows clean. See my articles on how to deal with your drapes and clean your blinds. If you are a smoker and are still doing so in your home, DON'T! Most people, especially non-smokers, just hate the smell of stale smoke. Take it outside and air your house out. This could be a deal-breaker in selling your house. You can't place too much emphasis on a house that smells nice and clean.
• Do not leave any valuables within sight when selling. Hide your jewelry and any other valuables when showing your home. Do not leave your prescription drugs, keys or your purse laying around. It's just better to be safe and to keep track of your belongings. It only takes one dishonest person...........

Resources

• Please see How To Feng Shui-Stage Your Home To Sell-Part 2 by Vikki9

[vikki9]

on 6/28/2008 Valuable suggestions - thank you! *****

[JasneJ]

on 6/23/2008 Both the articles have great information everone needs to know. Don't forget to add some colorful annuals in the summer. Even if you purchase 2 planters for the entrance, it will help.