So you've decided it’s time to sell your home. You want to sell your home at the best possible price in the least amount of time right? Fact is homes with great curb appeal that catch a prospective buyers eye and are well maintained sell faster and for more money.
A little effort up front is all it takes to get your home into selling shape. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money or take a lot of work.
1. Curb Appeal
This is the first thing buyers look for so you want to make the exterior of your home look clean and inviting. The lawn and and flower beds should be manicured.
Edge your lawn for a clean line, and keep the driveway and walkways clean and uncluttered.
Trim bushes, remove dead grass and flowers and replace with fresh colorful flowers.
Make sure any outdoor furniture looks spotless and be sure to touch up with paint as needed. The front entrance should be inviting and clean. This includes the front porch, stairs and door. Add a potted plant or two to make a great first impression.
Thoroughly clean all windows and screens and re-caulk or repaint where necessary.
Take a good hard look at your home and the surrounding property from the sidewalk or street. Any other repairs needed?
2. The Garage
A clean uncluttered garage is very appealing. If you're a hoarder get rid of all the old junk taking up space in your garage.
Buyers need to see that their cars will fit in the space. If you can't part with your stuff then rent a storage unit while your home is for sale and take everything out of there that you don't need right now.
Thoroughly clean the walls, shelves and floor and repaint where necessary. It's not difficult or expensive, but having a freshly painted garage floor leaves an amazing impression.
Be sure to lubricate the garage door motor and clean up the interior and exterior doors and windows.
3. The Kitchen
Less is more. Pack away appliances sitting on the counter like blenders and toasters, pots and pans and other things that clutter up your counter tops.
Sinks, appliances and counter tops should sparkle. Fix any faucet leaks and replace any damaged appliance knobs.
If your cabinets are older freshen them up with new cabinet door hardware for a contemporary look.
If you have ceramic tile scrub all the grout, or stain the grout if it is beyond cleaning.
4. Bathrooms
Thoroughly clean mirrors, glass, chrome and porcelain surfaces. If you have grout, then scrub away.
Replace shower curtain and bathroom rug with something fresh and tasteful. Fix any faucet leaks or drips.
Check the caulking around the tub and shower and replace with fresh caulking where necessary. Any caulking with mold on it has to go.
5. Closets
Time to clean out all the things you don't use. Store away items you don't need in containers and if necessary put them in storage.
Organize your clothes and shoes neatly on bars and racks. The more organized and clean and better!
Doors and drawers should open and close easily. Make sure all tracks are clean and free of obstacles, and any squeaks are oiled.
6. Overall
Check all the basics around the house - all doors, windows and cabinets to make sure they don't stick, squeak or are loose, and that all the hardware is in good condition.
Apply fresh paint where needed. If a room needs re-painted, use neutral-toned paint to brightened up the space.
Carpets, draperies, and furniture should all be professionally cleaned and looking their best.
Replace all burned out light bulbs.
Clean the fireplace and remove smoke stains from the wall and mantle.
Clean your furnace and water heater, and replace furnace filters as needed. All buyers are looking at these things and are impressed by a home that shows good care and maintenance.
Does your home smell pleasant?
Place diffusers or air fresheners with a pleasant and mild scent around your home. The old adage of enticing buyers with the smell of 'fresh baked pies' is a good one. Placing some cinnamon or other sweet spices on a piece of aluminum foil and warming them in the oven creates a pleasant smell too.
If you have a nice stereo system in your house, show it off. Play classical or jazz music (you can even get 'home staging' music CD's) at a low volume to create a pleasant ambiance and unique showing experience.
Use the common-sense approach to preparing your home to sell. All this cleaning and repairing takes time and energy, but is well worth it.
Remember, the clean, well-maintained home tends to
sell faster and for more money.
Contact The Invidiata Team with Maxim Real Estate Group for more tips on how to get the most money when selling your home 714-308-3041 or email juliesellsoc@gmail.com.