Putting a house on the market means preparing it for house hunters. Maximize efforts by spending time and money in the right places.
Increase Home's Curb Appeal
In order to coax buyers into the house, the outside of a home must make the best first impression possible. Keep the lawn looking good. Mow the grass, rake up leaves and trim back trees and shrubs. Make sure the grass has no brown spots. Lay down sod on any bare patches. Weed and clear away dead plants and flowers. If the yard has no plants, purchase a few shrubs or bushes and some colorful mature flowers that complement the exterior house color.
Clean out dirty gutters. Repair any roof leaks. Pressure wash the house exterior or give it a fresh coat of paint. Paint the front door a contrasting color to draw the buyer's eye. Put out a new clean door mat. Repair cracked or split sidewalks and ensure steps and railings are freshly painted and safe. Be sure house numbers are large enough to be seen from the road and are not obscured by trees or bushes.
Don't neglect the back yard. Keep it tidy and make sure pools and spas are clean and freshly maintained. Enhance the bonus of a patio or deck by keeping it clean and setting out matched patio furniture. Clear the yard of all evidence of dog use. Consider removing swings to open up the yard space. Throw out all garbage.
Make House Seem Larger
Keeping a house clean and clutter free will make the home appear roomy. According to RealEstateabc.com, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. Take everything off counters and store inside cabinets and drawers making sure not to stuff them full. Box up and store dishes, pots, pans and kitchen equipment that is seldom used. Update worn kitchen cabinets. Clean out the junk drawer. Keep only what is needed under the sink. Use drawer liners to disguise old food and water stains that can't be scrubbed away. Line drawers, cupboards and under the sink. Keep pet bowls clean.
Throughout the house remove furniture that isn't needed. More empty space makes your living areas seem larger. Take leaves out of overlarge dining tables. Place dining chairs on each side of table and eliminate chairs from table ends.
Take rarely worn clothes and shoes out of closets. Leave a small space between garments so buyers will see closets have sufficient space without cramming. Remove empty hangers. Store extra shoes and purses in clean, attractive boxes on topmost closet shelves.
Clean carpets. If not cleanable, replace them with inexpensive neutral colored carpets. Clean windows to let in the maximum amount of light. Vacuum pet hairs from all surfaces, paying special attention to fabric sofas and chairs and room corners. Leave sheds and garages as empty as possible.
Depersonalize Home
Buyers want to envision themselves living in a house. Remove family photos, trophies, collectible items, nicknacks and souvenirs. For wider appeal, give the house interior a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors. Control smoking odors. If possible smoke outside. Buy an ozone spray to remove odors without simply masking one odor with another. Smoke damage cleaning products can be used to wash down walls and ceilings.
Clean and empty litter boxes on a daily basis, making liberal use of baking soda. Keep dogs outside or sprinkle carpets with fresheners made specifically for pet odor elimination.
Make Necessary Home Repairs
Repair ceiling water stains and paint with products designed for that purpose. Repair damaged crown molding and baseboards. Repair or replace broken floor tiles. Use WD40 on hinges so that windows and doors open and close easily and quietly. Be sure door knobs aren't loose. Replace washers on leaky faucets. Replace cracked or broken window panes. Replace burned out light bulbs.
Presented as a move-in-ready clean fresh spacious home gives a house its best chance in today's market.
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