Getting Ready
A well maintained home attracts more potential home buyers. When marketing your house strive for a positive first impression. We have developed some inexpensive, helpful pointers to prepare your home for a quick and significant profit for you.
Ambience
Make your home inviting. Play soft, soothing music. Open curtains to make rooms bright and cheery. Arrange fresh flowers or position potted plants. Place pets in a fenced area or arrange for them to stay with friends.
Landscape
Make sure your lawn is freshly cut, bushes are pruned and planting areas are weeded. For inexpensive color, add a row of annuals along the walkway.
Exterior
Inspect the condition of the roof. If you have any broken or missing shingles, replace them. Clean out gutters and downspouts. Wash vinyl and aluminum siding.
Driveway
Most visitors will walk to your entrance via the driveway. If the cement is broken or blacktop cracked resurface it.
Clear the Clutter
Sweep your sidewalks; clear your patio or deck of small, unnecessary items, and keep your garage door closed. Cars should not be parked in the driveway while your home is being shown.
Entry
The entry is where every visitor will be welcomed into your home. Its appearance will have a lasting impact on those who enter. Make sure the doorbell works and the area is neat and well lit.
Touch-Ups
A fresh coat of paint is an important investment. Replace worn hardware and lighting fixtures. Repair or replace torn screens.
Kitchen
Research shows the kitchen is one of the most important areas to potential home buyers. Never show your home with dirty dishes in the sink. Clean your appliances so they sparkle. Your cabinets should be organized.
Bathroom
Bathrooms must sparkle. Repair dripping faucets. Replace any damaged caulking, and make sure all tile and grout are clean. Remove personal care items.
Storage
Neat, well-organized closets appear larger. Home improvement stores sell shelving and compartments that will maximize space usage.
Basement
You may not realize it, but your basement will indicate how much care you've given to maintaining your home. This is the time to clean the furnace and laundry areas.
Keep It Clean
Your house should always be in tip-top shape for showings. Clean flooring, windows and mirrors. Make every room look spacious, bright and attractive.