Getting the House "Ready" for Sale
A house that "sparkles" on the surface will sell faster than its
shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally
well-maintained. From experience, we also know that a
"well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell
faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more
comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what
they can see is maintained, what they can't see has probably
also been maintained.
In readying your house for sale, consider:
How Much You Should Spend;
The Exterior "Curb Appeal"; and
Preparing the Interior
How Much Should You Spend
In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as
possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they
aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it.
There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive
"polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new
knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the
living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like
installing a new kitchen. We familiar with buyers' expectations
in your neighborhood, can advise you specifically on what
improvements need to be made.
Don't hesitate to ask for advice.
The Exterior "Curb Appeal"
Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as
necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its
exterior and interior appeal.
Enhance your homes exterior and curb appeal by:
Keeping the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly;
Trimming hedges, weeding lawns and flowerbeds, and pruning
trees regularly;
Checking the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for
cracks and crumbling;
Inspecting doors and windows for peeling paint;
Cleaning and aligning gutters;
Inspecting and cleaning the chimney;
Repairing and replacing loose or damaged roof shingles;
Repairing and repainting loose siding and caulking;
During spring and summer months considering adding a few showy
annuals, perhaps in pots, near your front entrance;
Re-sealing an asphalt driveway;
Keeping your garage door closed;
Storing RVs or old and beaten up teens' jalopies elsewhere
while the house is on the market; and
Applying a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
Preparing the Interior
Enhance your homes interior by:
Giving every room in the house a thorough cleaning, as well as
removing all clutter. This alone will make your house appear
bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms have
actually rented storage garages and moved half their furniture
out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
Hiring a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks
while the house is on the market. This may be a good investment
for owners who are busy elsewhere.
Removing the less frequently used, even daily used items from
kitchen counters, closets, and attics, making these areas much
more inviting. Since you're anticipating a move anyhow, holding
a garage sale at this point is a great idea.
If necessary, repainting dingy, soiled or strongly colored
walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige.
The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
Checking for cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic
and basement.
Repairing cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard,
wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
Replacing broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other
woodwork.
Inspecting and repairing the plumbing, heating , cooling, and
alarm systems.
Repairing dripping faucets and showerheads.
Buying showy new towels for the bathroom, to be brought out
only when prospective buyers are on the way.
Sprucing up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by
investing in new cabinet knobs, new curtains, or a coat of
neutral paint.
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