Make Your Home Ready to Sell

Is your home ready to sell?   Most people do not live in a “show-ready” home so you are are not alone if you said no.    Follow these 10 tried and true steps and you will make your home ready to sell in short time.

1.  Maximize Curb Appeal

Getting them through the front door starts with curb appeal.    Manicure the lawn, trim the trees and shrubs. Pull weeds and plant some colorful flowers.  Clear the walkways. Fix peeling paint and wind up that hose.  Paint the address number on the curb.

2.  Make Repairs to Visible Blemishes

Is there something that’s an eyesore, but an easy fix?  If looking at it bothers you, it could bother a potential buyer and reduce the appeal of your home.  Replace burnt out light bulbs, fix that loose door handle, make needed paint touch-ups.

3.  Make a Buyer’s Entrance Inviting

Freshly paint the front door with a color that contrasts the house.  Add a new welcome mat.  Hang a fresh wreath on the door.

4.  Let the Light Shine In

Removing heavy window coverings to let in the natural light we all crave.  Add lamps to brighten up darker areas to add more cheer.   Make sure your windows are crystal clean.

5.  Remove the Clutter

This serves two purposes.  First, you want your home to have an open and inviting appearance. Removing clutter will make rooms appear larger and more appealing.  Second, it helps YOU prepare to move.  Going through the clutter and getting rid of what you don’t need will make your move much easier.

6.  Remove Personal Items

It will be much easier for a potential buyer to imagine your home as theirs when they can envision their own items in it.

7.  Highlight Special Features

Use accents and color to draw eyes to special features that you want potential buyers to notice—throw pillows, plants or other eye-catching accessories.

8.  Add Mirrors

Use mirrors to make rooms look larger and lighter.  Position opposite windows for best effect.

9.  Clean Out Cabinets and Closets

Buyers are nosy and they WILL open the cabinets.  Make sure your contents are orderly and organized.

10.  Eliminate Odors and Add Aromas

Clean to remove any odors and do not cook any meals with heavy, lasting smells before a showing. You can easily add appeal by quartering an orange and adding it to a pot of water with a cinnamon stick. Simmer on low for an inviting aroma.