You have only one chance to make
a first impression!
From experience, we know that a "well-polished" house
appeals to more buyers and will sell faster
and for a higher price. 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. You might
consider having your home professionally inspected
before
putting it on the market. Identifying potential
problems now, will save you time and money later.
In readying your house for sale, consider:
I How much should you spend
We are familiar with buyer's expectations in
your neighborhood and can advise you specifically
on
what improvements need to be made. Don't hesitate
to ask for advice.
II Maximizing exterior and curb appeal
- Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly.
- Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and
prune trees regularly.
- Add pine straw or mulch to freshen existing
beds and foundation planting.
- Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls
and patios for cracks and
crumbling.
- Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint.
Apply a fresh
coat of paint
to front door,
if needed.
- Clean and align gutters.
- Inspect and clean the chimney.
- Repair and replace loose or damaged roof
shingles.
- Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
- Consider adding a few showy annuals, perhaps
in pots,
near your front
entrance.
- Keep your garage door closed.
- Apply a fresh coat of paint to
the front
door.
III Maximizing
interior appeal
- Look at your home
from the Buyer's perspective.
Be
objective
and
honest.
- Give
every room
in the house
a thorough
cleaning, and remove
all clutter.
This alone
will make
your house
appear bigger
and brighter. Some
homeowners with
crowded rooms
have actually
rented storage
garages for
excess furniture,
creating a
sleeker, more
spacious look.
- Hire 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.
- Remove the less
frequently used
items from
kitchen counters,
closets, and
attics, making
these areas
much more
inviting. Since
you're anticipating
a move,
holding a garage
sale at this
point is a
great idea.
(prior to putting
your house
on the market)
- If necessary,
repaint dingy,
soiled or strongly
colored walls.
- Check for cracks,
leaks and signs
of dampness in the
attic and basement
and crawl space.
- Repair cracks,
holes or damage
to plaster, wallboard,
wallpaper, paint,
and tiles.
- Replace broken
or cracked windowpanes,
moldings, and
other
woodwork. Inspect
and repair the plumbing,
heating, cooling,
and alarm systems.
- Repair dripping
faucets and
showerheads.
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