Your home must sell itself. An attractive home, well maintained
and sparkling clean, is most appealing to your potential buyers.
The following checklist covers those items that influence a buyer
most.
First Impressions-Outside. A pleasing exterior appearance is
essential for that critical first impression. These simple
suggestions will help "show off" your property to its best
advantage.
- Trim the lawn
and keep it green. Shape up the shrubs and weed the flower beds.
- Clear the entry
by keeping the walks free of toys bicycles, garden tools, leaves
and other hazards.
- Brighten the
structure with a coat of paint or a good cleaning. Replace
screens if they are torn or rusted. Remove mildew or moss from
walls or sidewalks with bleach and water or a commercial cleaner.
- Add charm with
flowers along the entry walk, in a pot by the door or in cheerful
window boxes.
- Rid the driveway
of grease stains with kitty litter or a chemical solvent. Seal
driveway if cracked.
- Pick up all pet
droppings and debris.
- Tidy up the
garage and show off its size. Get rid of everything you don't
want to move.
- A fresh coat of
paint on the front door and new door mat go a long way in creating
a good first impression.
- Make sure all
widows and doors are sparkling clean.
Invitation
Inside. Think of your prospective buyers as your guests, and
prepare the inside of your home accordingly. Here are some points
to keep in mind.
- Perk up rooms
with fresh paint. A modest investment in time and money can
possibly add dollars to your final selling price. Sometimes just
a touchup will do. Choose light, neutral colors for the greatest
appeal.
- Clean up clutter
for appearance and safety's sake, Pay special attention to
stairways, halls and children's rooms.
- The kitchen
should get extra attention. Keep it especially clean while your
home is on the market. More buying decisions are made in the
kitchen, than any other room. The sink should always be clean and
free of dirty dishes. Counter tops appear more spacious when
clean and uncluttered. Freshly mopped floors and baseboards can
help "show off" your kitchen.
- The bathroom is
another important room. Make sure is sparkles by cleaning the tile
and porcelain. Commercial cleaners or vinegar will remove
unsightly hard water stains. Replace an loose caulking or grout
and, while you are at it...fix those dripping faucets!
- Wash all windows
and keep curtains and drapes crisp and clean. Vacuum blinds and
wash window sills.
- Clean out
closets to make them appear roomier. Add extra space by
prepacking out of season clothing.
- Clean the
fireplace and make a cozy crackling fire. Or, dress it up with
green plants or dried flowers. An array of candles also provide a
nice touch inside of your fireplace.
- Roll out the
welcome mat with a rough-textured doormat. It will help keep your
floors and carpets cleaner during showings. And it says you care
about your home.
- Eliminate odors
by preventing them in the first place. Try to avoid cooking with
cabbage, onions and garlic. Many people associate strong spicy
odors with uncleanliness. Freshen the entire kitchen by sending a
lemon through the garbage disposal. Sweeten the refrigerator with
a box of baking soda.
- Add special
accents that make your house appear comfortable and inviting. An
open cookbook on the kitchen counter, cut flowers in a vase,
cookies or bread baking in the oven. Don't overdo, but think
about the things you have seen in attractive model homes that
might subconsciously influence potential buyers.
- Invest in fresh
new colorful bath towels for each bathroom. Keep the towels your
family uses tucked away so the fresh towels are always hanging
out.
- Make sure that
all lights have the maximum wattage of bulb allowed, a well lit
home always shows best, especially on those overcast days.
Extra Efforts.
- Empty out the
attic to display the full value of this much appreciated but often
neglected storage space.
- Clean and
brighten the basement with light paint and large wattage bulbs.
Make sure the basement always smells fresh with no hint of mold or
mildew.
- Breeze through
the patio and remove unnecessary lawn furniture, hoses, sprinklers
and garden tools to make the yard look more expensive. If you
have a pool or hot tub, give it a thorough scrubbing and place a
few pots of blooming plants nearby.
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