The condition of your home will have a huge impact on how fast it sells, and its eventual selling price. Preparing your home for sale can pay you huge dividends. Many fix ups cost very little and consist mostly of time and some elbow grease. Here are some simple tips to help your home show its best and maximize its value.
INDOORS:
1. Clean your entire home thoroughly. Shampoo carpets, wash walls, clean sills, window screens and blinds. Clean out light fixtures and dust shelving. Get detailed here.
2. Clean the clutter from all closets, cupboards and cabinets.
3. Make your rooms look as spacious as possible. Store unnecessary furnishings that make your home look cramped.
4. Arrange furniture to create an easy-to-walk-through traffic pattern in your home.
5. Reduce the number of photos, pictures, portraits and posters hanging on walls. Make sure to patch all nail and screw holes.
6. As a rule, keep curtains and draperies open to enhance a light and bright atmosphere, but minimize any unappealing views.
7. Make your kitchen shine by eliminating clutter from counter tops and cabinets. Be sure to keep your sink clean and clear of any dirty dishes.
8. Clean your refrigerator, inside and out. Add an open box of baking soda in your fridge fro freshness and remove unnecessary clutter from the door.
9. Clean your oven thoroughly to keep it looking as good as possible.
10. Consider using lightly scented candles in the kitchen and bathrooms to eliminate an unpleasant odors.
11. Keep bathrooms scrubbed and tidy with fresh soap and neatly hung towels. Try to color coordinate your bathrooms.
12. Keep all sinks in the home clean and repair leaks or slow drains.
13. Inspect your entire home to areas needing touch ups or repainting. Pay especially close attention to corners, baseboards, trim, cabinets and cupboards.
14. Place plants or flower arrangements in strategic parts of the home. A splash of color from plants, flowers, pillows or small rugs can add flair and interest.
15. Make sure your home is well lit. Put higher wattage bulbs in dark areas or corners. Keep all lights on during showings, even in midday.
16. Use mirrors on walls if necessary to reflect light and make rooms look larger.
17. Make sure that all door knobs and keyed entries are working. Replace any worn knobs or handles.
OUTDOORS:
1. Clean up all around the house. Remove any debris piles such as wood, firewood and landscape trimmings. Trim all hedges, bushes and shrubbery away from the house. Keep all garden beds weeded and mulched.
2. Put some color by your home’s entrance with potted flowers. Keep them watered and looking attractive.
3. Keep all walkways clear, clean and in good repair. This includes your driveways and any parking areas.
4. Keep all outdoor furniture clean and in good repair.
5. Clean your gutters and roof. Keep moss or algae from growing on, in or around them.
6. Keep your yard and lawn areas clean and in good health. A green lawn makes a home look great. Keep your lawn edged and free from weeds.
7. Repair any broken windows, screens, shutter or awnings.
8. Clean your garage area. Remove clutter and make it look organized and as spacious as possible. Try to have little in your garage but cars.