Here are a few tips that will help you with selling you home.
- Clean your house from top to bottom, inside and out.
- There should be no cobwebs in corners–pay special attention to the area outside your front door.
- If your carpets are looking a little dingy, or if you have pets, it might be a good idea to get your carpets professionally cleaned. Otherwise you can always rent a carpet cleaner and do it yourself.
- If you have curtains either run the vacuum cleaner over them or wash them if the fabric is machine washable.
- After the deep clean, keep up the fresh appearance. A tidy home is an inviting home!
- Get rid of the clutter and depersonalize!
- To the potential buyer clutter = not enough space.
- When the potential buyer is surrounded by your personal items (i.e. family photos, souvenirs from vacations, or children’s art work) it makes it hard to visualize the house as their own. This is also why it is good to leave while the house is being shown.
- You might consider organizing the closets and cupboards in case the buyer is concerned about storage space. Ideally the closet or cupboard should not be more than 75% full.
- In the kitchen it is best to have as little as possible sitting on your counter tops. Some recommend having out just one appliance.
- The more open square footage for the buyers to see the better!
- Roll up your sleeves and do some maintenance.
- Fix drippy faucets. Besides the potential to leave stains in your sinks or tubs, leaky faucets could say plumbing problems to the potential buyer even if there are none.
- Lubricate squeaky door hinges and tighten drawer pulls and knobs.
- Repair any cracks in the driveway or walk way.
- Consider painting. Fresh paint = less work for the buyer. It is especially key if your walls are bold colors. Neutral and earth tones make the best impression. If you have recently painted then give your walls a quick scrub.
- Less work for the buyer = more money to you.
- Lighten, Define, and Brighten your space.
- In the winter time, use the highest watt bulbs possible.
- In the summer time, let in the natural light.
- If space will allow, add small decorative lamps in the kitchen and bathroom for a warm glow and designer’s touch.
- A light and airy home is a happy home.
- Rooms that serve too many functions can tell the potential buyer that your home does not have enough space.
- If you have a spare room that is acting as a storage area, it may be better to relocate the items elsewhere.
- The public spaces in your home (kitchen, dining area, and living room) should only house items that “belong” in those spaces. There shouldn’t be a play area in a corner of your dining room.
- Well defined and functional spaces appear larger and are the most appealing to the potential buyer.
- Fresh flowers are a sign that you care for your home.
- The smells of cinnamon or any baked goods are very inviting and “homey.” This can easily be achieved using candles or scented plug ins.