What do I have to do to get the best price for my home and have it sale quickly? Good question. Check out these suggestions:
1) Fix any known repair issues now. Whether it be electrical, plumbing, or HVAC issues or the front door handle, make those repairs now before the house goes on the market.
2) Consider your home’s curb appeal. Make sure the buyer’s first impression is a good one. Otherwise, they will move on to the next house. By investing some effort and a little money, you could plant colorful flowers and repaint the front door. Enhance the outside of your house to beckon those buyers to come on in.
3) Declutter and organize. Get rid of clutter both inside and outside. You may need a storage unit. Less is more. Take your excess stuff and donate it or use that storage unit. Decluttering will help your house be more appealing and it will look larger, too.
a) Clear your closets and bedrooms by at least 50%.
b) Organize and neatly stack dishes and pots & pans in the kitchen cabinets.
c) Organize your bathroom linen closet and cabinets. Use bins or tote to keep bathroom items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap out of sight.
d) Immediately sort mail when it arrives and dispose of anything that’s not important. No stacks and stacks of magazines, catalogs and mail allowed.
4) Clean, then clean some more. Pristine houses are more attractive to buyers. Make everything look brand-new with sparkle and shine.
a) Clean from top to bottom in every room. Wipe down cabinets, light fixtures, kitchen appliances, and air vents.
b) Clean the carpets then sweep, vacuum or mop every inch of the house. It may take several days, but the payoff will be worth it.
5) Repaint walls to neutral tones. Bright colors distract but a light color allows the buyers to envision what the walls could look like with the color they like.
6) Touch up. If you don’t do a full repaint, scrub and touch up baseboards, walls, and doors to make the house sparkle.
7) Depersonalize. Remove personal items, family photos, bold artwork, or furniture that would make it less appealing to buyers. Create a blank canvas for the buyer’s own vision of the home.
8) Keep it tidy and smelling good.
a) In the kitchen, keep countertops clear. Keep paper towels, sponges, cleaners, and dish soap under the sink. Place dirty dishes immediately in the dishwasher and keep appliances off the countertops.
b) After cooking, use natural air fresheners like boiling lemon slices or cinnamon on the stove to neutralize odors.
9) Add some plants or flowers inside. Remember that green is good. Plants create a bright and more welcoming environment. You might also want to consider a bouquet of flowers or a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter or dining table.
10) Now you’re ready to interview real estate agents and select one that will work for you. Once your home is listed with an agent, they will immediately begin to market your home and get it sold!
