Here
are a few things to look for.
- First and foremost, don’t place your home on the market for sale until you are certain that you are prepared to sell.
- Don’t
price your home out of the market when there are comparable homes in
your neighborhood.
- A
neet and clean home shows to its best advantage; remember that a first
impression is a lasting impression.
- Not
only is it important to present your home to its best advantage to home
buyers, but it is equally important to present your home to its best
advantage to real estate agents who will be showing your home to prospective
buyers.
- You
want the agents to be enthusiastic about your home.
- Be sure that your home is tidy before your agent holds an open house for other agents to preview your home.
- Refrain from playing loud music or otherwise creating a disturbing environment.
- Extraneous odors from cooking or from pets should be avoided.
- The exterior of your home provides the initial impression of your home when buyers pull into the driveway.
- Be sure that all the areas around the home are tidy and that all exterior furniture is clean.
- Be sure that the lawn and shrubs are neatly manicured.
- Consider re-paving all worn or defective walkways.
- Repair or replace all poorly secured or disconnected rain down spouts and gutters; gutters should be clean.
- Repaint all areas where the paint is peeling or worn; power wash all exterior facades that are not clean or that are mildew covered.
- Be sure that all exterior door handles operate properly and that storm doors have proper door closers.
- While your home should look like you enjoy living there, it should also look clean and tidy.
- Don’t leave toys, etc. scattered about, everything should be in its proper place including items stored in closets.
- Homes that are bright and cheery show better, keep windows shades and curtains open.
- Lights should be kept on in areas that do not receive enough natural light.
- Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms should sparkle; don’t leave soiled laundry or dishes exposed.
- Consider repainting rooms that are are badly worn, buyers like light and neutral colors.
- Consider replacing badly worn carpeting or flooring.
- Store any very unusual posters, or similar items, that may be offensive to some home buyers; keep in mind that some home buyers may bring children along.
- It is best not to leave jewelry and other small valuable items in an unsecured location.
- Be sure to replace all defective light bulbs and electrical switches.
- If there is defective wireing, be sure to have a licensed electrician remove, repair, or replace it.
- If you did it yourself and it shows, a prospective buyer will, without exception notice it.
- Be sure to repair leaking or defective plumbing faucets.
- All drains should be clean and free flowing.
- Repair defective bathroom tiling, remove all mildew, and re-grout and re-caulk tile where needed.
- Replace badly rusted and corroded plumbing pipes.