1) FIRST AND FOREMOST your home should look like a home that YOU would want to see. Seriously, pretend you are looking at your own home...Go outside and come in the front door, look at your home through a BUYERS eyes! What do you like? What would be a turn off to you? Really think about this.
2) FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHING! Don't put your home on the market WHILE you are doing your improvements, cleaning, organizing etc. There is NOT a second chance to make a first impression with a buyer!
3) LESS IS DEFINITELY MORE!!! Start packing NOW. We understand there is an emotional attachment to your belongings but remember, you have to pack sometime, so start packing up all those pictures and trophies and other knick knacks and items you don't use EVERYDAY! Clear the countertops, sink tops and shelves. Make your home a place any buyer can picture THIER belongings!
4) CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN No one wants to see dirty dishes, dirty clothes or dust! Recaulk your tub, mildew is NOT ACCEPTABLE, would it be to you? VACUUM out your window sills! People look! Clean the baseboards, light switches, cupboard doors and sliding glass doors.
5) ORGANIZE! We know it's not easy, but try to keep closets and storage areas neat and tidy. Buy plastic tubs on sale and organize. You don't want people focused on YOUR mess, trust us, it's the first thing people see in a space. Crowded unorganized storage areas say to buyers that you don't have enough space, that you are growing out of it...what might they think about that?
6) ODORS ARE NEVER OKAY! SMOKE AND PET ODOR are the 2 biggest turn offs to a buyer. We hate to say it, I was a smoker for 12 years, it is legal and your right BUT if you smoke inside the house the ONLY people that will be remotely interested in your home is another smoker that smokes INSIDE THEIR HOUSE. Knowing that smokers are on the decline, do you REALLY want to limit your market of buyers based on this? If you smoke inside your home you need to start smoking outside, repaint the walls and talk to friends and family that will be honest with you about the smell. The same goes for pets. Pet odor is difficult to get rid of as well but you need to try before you put your home on the market. Again, ask a friend or family memeber who will be honest with you!
7) LET'S TALK ABOUT OUTSIDE The grass should be mowed at all times, flower beds should be weeded and mulched, weeds in sidwalk cracks look messy, get rid of them! Make sure gutter extensions are on all gutters and gutters are clean. The outside WILL reflect the inside in a buyers eyes, if the outside looks unkept, you may miss the showing!
8) DON'T USE FRAGRANCES Potpouri, plug in's or scented candles are not a good idea. People may think you are covering bad odors or have allergies that will be affected by it. If you want the house to smell good, bake cookies or use a mild cleaning product that will not be overbearing.
9) LEAVE FOR THE SHOWING Buyers really aren't comfortable opening closet doors and really looking at your house when you are there. You want the buyers to be completely comfortable when viewing the house. You should find a place to go during the showing, even if it's for a short walk around the block!
10) IT REALLY IS THE LITTLE THINGS The things we have discussed really are not things that cost an abundant amount of money. Your investment to get your home ready is more an investment of your thought and your time. This will go a long way and will pay off in the sale of your house when the buyer takes the time to chose your house for their new home!
For more ideas and tips try these links
1) Realtor.com
2) Realestateabc.com
3) What the Seller pays for
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