Fast, Simple Fix-ups that Will
Help You Sell Your Home, for the Highest Possible Price
Think of your home
as a product or service. You need to "package" it attractively to
create a demand for it. Here are some fast, inexpensive changes that should make
your home stand out among similarly-priced homes in your neighborhood:
It begins with
the exterior!
Your yard, and the
exterior of your house, is the first impression that potential buyers have of
your home.
Yard. Keep your lawn neat and well trimmed, with
well-proportioned shrubs. Consider replanting flowers or creating a flowerbed to
enhance the appearance of your yard. If it is the fall, make sure the lawn is
raked at all times. And in the wintertime, clear snow from your driveway and
walkways.
The Front Door. Make sure your door is tightly on its hinges!
Furthermore, the door should be neat and clean. Paint it if it needs it. If the
door is in poor shape, consider replacing it. Finally, a holiday ornament on the
door, like a wreath, ads a nice touch. Consider adding an inviting "welcome
mat".
Home Exterior. Check for flat-fitting roof shingles, straight lines
on gutters, shutters, windows, and siding; solid caulking around roofs and
seams. Apply fresh paint where it needs it. Also, make sure the windows are
crystal clear; potential buyers often peer through the windows.
The Interior
Lights. During the evening, or whenever you have potential
buyers in the home, make sure ALL of the lights are on. This makes rooms look
more inviting and spacious. Also, make sure curtains are always up to let as
much sunlight in as possible.
Smell. I recommend using a vanilla air freshener that
applies directly to your air filter. This gives your home that "new model
home" aroma.
Remove Excess Furniture.
Remove as much furniture as possible. This can make your rooms look dramatically
larger.
The Living Room. Strive for lived-in, cozy feeling. Discard worn,
chipped, frayed furniture. Add lamps if it is dark. Open curtains. Set out fresh
flowers.
The Kitchen. Many buyers judge the house keeping by the oven and
stove. Appliances should be spotless and everything works perfectly. Replace or
repair anything that sticks, squeaks or drips. Clear clutter from countertops.
The Master Bedroom.
This is the second-most appealing room to a buyer (after the kitchen). Remove
excess furniture to make it appear larger. Show the true size of the closets by
removing or packing items that can be stored elsewhere.
Bathrooms. Make sure bathrooms are always neat and clean.
Remove clutter from sink countertops. Make sure showers are free of scum and
tile grout in good shape. Most buyers pay close attention to this!
Basement. If possible, make the basement look like a
"living area." Clear out as much clutter as possible (consider moving
it into storage). If you have an extra sofa or loveseat and coffee table,
consider creating a living area.
When You Let
Potential Buyers In The Door
Make sure that the exterior and interior are both in
order! Furthermore, appeal to the potential buyers' senses: make sure the lights
are on, the home has a vanilla aroma, and perhaps soft classical or jazz music
playing on the stereo.