-
Step 1
First things first you will want to repair anything in your home that may be damaged or broke. Don't assume the buyer will not notice. Don't overlook the leaky faucet or the switch that doesn't work. A house that is need of repair will appear old to a buyer. Regardless of the actual age of the home a buyer is looking for a new home.
-
Step 2
When selling your home it is important to keep in mind that you are selling a house. You will want to remove any thing that gives the home your unique personality. You do this by removing pictures of the family. Remove excess decor from the walls and other areas of the home. Remove borders if you can without damaging the wall and having to repaint. Anything you see that you have added a personal touch. Buyers associate your type of decorating to the house, if this is not their style it can be a turn off.
-
Step 3
Clear it out. Room by room remove the clutter. You want to give the illusion of space. Rooms should only have limited furniture. Leave just enough to define the space. An example would be a bedroom has a bed and a dresser. This defines the room as a bedroom and nothing more. Avoid large bulk pieces of furniture. Be sure to clear out cupboards and closets as well. A serious home buyer will open them up to see what space they have to offer. A few sheets in the linen closet will give the illusion of space rather than a closet full of blankets, sheets, pillows and whatever else you've managed to cram in there over the years.
-
Step 4
Tone it up or tone it down. Rooms that appear neutral are actually appealing to the buyer, but be careful not to be too plain. You can add a little warmth with one bold color pillow on the sofa, or a vase of bright flowers as a center piece on the dinning room table. On the other end rooms that appear to bold may need to be taken down a notch. You may love your bright red bathroom but a buyer may find it too overwhelming. Bring in more neutrals. I recommend avoiding white in any room as this will appear too institutional.
-
Step 5
Light it up. Bright lighting adds an appeal to the house. Rooms that are dark may get a whole new look with just a lamp. Try to use natural lighting where you can. Open blinds and drapery.
-
Step 6
Clean it up. Pay close attention to walls, ceilings and trim. Some areas of your home may need a little sprucing up. You may have not noticed that scuff mark on the trim or the kick plate of the stair steps but chances are the buyer will. Be sure to wipe down cupboards and drawers. You will want everything I mean everything clean. Buyers will even look in refrigerators, ovens, and medicine cabinets. An easy way to think of it is, if it opens it needs to be cleaned out.
-
Step 7
Remove all signs of pets. Don't let the buyer know you are a pet lover. Remove dishes, leashes, toys, and beds. Obviously you will need to use them in the meantime, get a storage tub that you can throw everything in and place in the garage or other inconspicious place when the buyer comes to view the house.
-
Step 8
Don't forget the curb appeal. As the buyer pulls up to the house this will be their first impression. The yard should be well trimmed including the lawn, shrubs and trees. Adding a planter will help give beauty to the homes appeal. Make sure the exterior of the house is clean. In the fall and winter you aren't off the hook. In the fall be sure that leaves and tree twigs are kept raked up. In the winter be sure to have driveways and walkways clear of snow. This gives an appearance of a well maintenanced look.
Comments
pennynickols said
on 9/5/2009 Your article, "How to Get Your House Ready to Sell," is very well written. Thanks for sharing suggestions on getting a house ready to sell.
Rockster said
on 2/24/2009 Great information!