Selling Your Home

Seller Information

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Once you have put your home on the market for sale, there are a few simple things that you may do that make your property more attractive to potential buyers. Depending on whether you want a basic cleanup, a quick fix, or the services of a professional home stager, you can increase the purchase price of your home and facilitate a quicker sale.

The following is a list suggested improvements and maintenance for major areas of your property:

First Impression

  • Perform a walk through as though you were a buyer to see what your impressions are
  • Depersonalize your house – give buyers a clean slate
  • If you live in a condo, make sure the front door, porch/patio area, and any balconies are as attractive as possible

Exterior and Interior

Basic Cleanup:

  • Remove clutter regardless of emotional attachment
  • Remove cobwebs
  • Remove dirt, paint splash, etc.
  • Clean and polish door hardware and handrails
  • Clean wall switches and outlet covers
  • Add houseplants and flowers throughout house

Exterior

Basic Cleanup:

  • Remove weeds from driveway, walkway, and landscaping
  • Trim trees and shrubs
  • Wash Front steps and porch
  • Clean and polish doorbell button
  • Make sure all exterior lights work properly and are debris-free
  • Clean or replace welcome mat
  • Wash windows and screens

Quick Fixes:

  • Repaint house - Most dramatic way to make good first impression is through paint. It gives you the best value for each dollar invested. It is relatively inexpensive improvement that gives a dramatic increase in “curb appeal.”
  • Repaint or replace fences and gates
  • Seal driveway with new coating
  • Clean and repair rain gutters
  • Clean and repair shutters

General Interior

Basic Cleanup:

  • Clean and Wax all hard floor surfaces
  • Shampoo all carpet
  • Clean all drapes and blinds
  • Remove All Clutter

Quick Fixes:

  • Repaint or touch up paint needed spots - Use neutral colors – whites, creams, etc.
  • Make sure to do prep work – wash away dirt, scrap off peeling paint, patch holes, and replace termite or water damaged wood.
  • Replace damaged molding
  • Clean out closets

Bathrooms

Basic Cleanup:

  • Seal caulking around tub, shower, and toilet
  • Replace old toilet seats
  • Replace shower curtains
  • Clean tile and repair grout

Quick Fixes:

  • Paint or wallpaper using neutral and light colors
  • Make sure drawers and cabinets open and close properly
  • Clean out medicine cabinet
  • Replace bath towels

Kitchen

Basic Cleanup:

  • Clean cabinets and appliances
  • Empty dishwasher and sink
  • Clean out interior of refrigerator
  • Clear clutter from countertops

 Quick Fixes:

  • Paint or wallpaper using neutral and light colors
  • Make sure drawers and cabinets open and close properly
  • Make sure all appliances work properly
  • Organize pantry
  • Organize dishes and cooking supplies

Laundry

Basic Cleanup:

  • Clean washer and dryer
  • Organize laundry area
  • Make sure lights work properly

Garage

Basic Cleanup:

  • Remove oil and grease stains from floor
  • Organize storage area

Home Tours

  • Always be ready, keep home clean and organized
  • Give the agent more time than necessary to show the space because buyers may arrive late
  • Pets should be out of house, preferable off of property entirely. No need to scare off a buyer. Also pet odors should be controlled by keeping your pet in a specific area or outside and grooming your pet frequently. An air purifier or other fragrances may be necessary

Hire the Services of a Professional Stager

  • Staging is the process of preparing a home for sale, with the goal of getting the most money in the shortest amount of time possible.
  • Staged® Homes sell for an average of 3% or $26,000 over list price
    (and as high as 50% over in some markets).