Getting Your Home Ready to Sell, Easily and Inexpensively
Many people make the mistake to spend a lot of money – renovations, remodeling. While buyers will be impressed with these things, spending $5000 on remodeling will not add $5000 to your sale. Spend as little money as possible, and spend it on cosmetic, easily appreciated features like interior painting. The time to remodel is when you plan to stay in the house, not when you’re going to sell.
If you think about everything that needs to be done to sell your house, you might feel overwhelmed. Take one step at a time. Break it down to manageable-sized chores and you’ll have better results.
First – have a garage sale or donate to a charitable organization that does pick-ups. Once the clutter is cleared away, it will be easier to see what needs to be done.
Make sure potential buyers first impression is a good one!
l Edge, mow and fertilize the lawn regularly. Make sure it’s well watered and reseed any sparse areas.
l Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees. Cut back overgrown shrubbery that keeps light out of the house.
l If you have siding or brick, power-wash it. If you have a painted exterior, consider repainting if needed. This is especially important if there is any peeling.
l Make sure the porch light works.
l If the doorbell doesn’t work, repair or replace it.
l Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles, or have someone do it for you.
l Remove oil stains from driveway and garage. Keep the walks and driveway swept.
l Keep your garage door closed.
l Wash the windows inside and out.
l Store RVs, boats and extra vehicles (anything that can’t be parked in the garage) elsewhere while the house is on the market.
l If prospective buyers walk into your house greeted by the smell of cat litter, cigarette smoke, mildew or pet accidents, they may not even consider making an offer. So the first thing to do:
l CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN. This includes walls, floors, inside closets and cabinets – everything. Hire a cleaning service to come in and do the job, if you don't have the time or energy.
l Get rid of clutter. Put away small appliances. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter.
l Paint the walls and ceilings a neutral color – off white or beige. Repair any cracks, holes and damage to walls.
l Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings and other woodwork.
l Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.
l Clean all carpets, wash and wax hard surface floors.
l Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs. Make sure every light switch works.
l Lubricate any squeaking doors
l Remove excess, worn or unattractive furniture.
l Clear all cobwebs from corners and doorways.
On Showing Days
l Keep draperies and shades open to let in the light.
l Place fresh flowers in the house.
l Have your home well-lit and a comfortable temperature for viewings.
l At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting if you have it.
l Set out colorful, luxurious towels in the bathroom.
l Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.
l Keep any toys in the children’s rooms, bikes and skateboards in the garage.
l Spend the day of an open house away from the home.
l Put pets away or take them with you.