One
of the most important things you can do to sell your house quickly and for the
highest price is to “stage” your house, in other words turn it from a home
into a model like property.
There
are five important steps to preparing your home for sale :
Cleaning
– the house has to sparkle - every window, every screen, window coverings, the
cabinets inside & out, the carpet should be clean and free of odors. You
should consider hiring a professional cleaning company come in; the fees might
be deductible.
Get
Rid of Clutter - Minimize the “stuff’” in your drawers, cabinets,
closets; you want to create the
illusion of space. Eliminate pieces of furniture, use minimal amounts of
knicknacks, and clear off the
countertops. The home should look open and inviting.
Pack it up, get a storage unit, give it away, or have a garage sale. I
specialize in marketing Open House/Garage Sales.
Decorating
& Landscaping – Freshen
up the house inside and out. Fresh
flowers add color and style, pretty new pillows on the couch, scented candles,
and a fresh coat of paint will add to the value and marketability of the house.
The exterior needs to be impeccable. Wash the front door, clean off the
cobwebs, wash the tile, put pretty flowers by the entry, keep the lawn and
shrubs trimmed and manicured. Curb appeal is very important. It’s the first
and last impression the buyers will get.
Depersonalizing
– Buyers like to imagine themselves and their belongings in the house. It’s
often difficult to do when the seller’s personal photos & belongings are
all around. They might get focused
on your things instead of the features of the house. Take down the photos and remove memorabilia!!
Maintaining
– You must commit to keeping the house spotless from the time you close to
the moment you close. The beds must be made every day, keep the baths free of
dirty towels and personal hygiene items, no dishes in the sink or old coffee in
the coffeepot. How about a plate of fresh baked brownies, a new wreath at the
door, new throw rug at the entry?
There
are many factors that contribute to a sale – location, condition,
market activity, and price. You cannot control the location or the
market, you can however, make your house the cleanest, prettiest, property.
Keep in mind that no matter how attractive a home looks, it will not sell
if it is overpriced. Your real estate professional will advise you on the price;
follow their instructions and you will see a SOLD sign outside before you know
it!
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