Preparing Your House For Sale

If you want to sell quickly and get top dollar for your home, consider the three biggest factors in selling a house:

• Location
• Price and...
• Condition

Condition
Function: noun
Definition: a state of physical fitness or readiness for use
In Other Words: anything from the integrity of a roof to the cleanliness of your closets

Convinced the scent of fresh-baked bread and a well-scrubbed floor distract the buyer? Don't be fooled. The inspector your prospective buyer hires will likely discover those leaky pipes and termites. If you're concerned about structural problems they might find, consider hiring your own inspector and beat the buyer to the punch.

Whether you decide to have an inspection or not, cosmetic changes can improve the look of your home...and the sale price too! But don’t be tempted to think a little paint and some pansies on the front porch will cover-up cosmetic issues. Trust your agent's eyes and ears! They can see things you're eyes "used" to, and they listen to home buyers and know what appeals to buyers (or sends them running for the door). Together, decide what needs to be done. Not interested in paying out-of-pocket for major work? Get estimates and be prepared to lower your price or give "allowances" for necessary work.

Interested in seeing what some popular home-improvement TV shows and magazines/catalogs say? We've provided a quick list of websites below.

As you flip through the sites/pages, chances are you'll notice a clutter-free environment that's clean as a whistle and visually appealing. Now it's time to do the same in your home!

Step 1: Clear Out The Clutter
It is important to help prospective buyers envision their furniture and decorations in your house. They need to imagine themselves in your space, so make it easy for them. With that in mind, your first job is to make a "clean sweep" of your home. Get rid of anything you don't want to move -- have a garage sale or call a local charitable organization and donate your "stuff." Remember nothing is off-limits when a prospective buyer is looking through your home so go through kitchen cabinets, bedroom closets and don't forget to clean out the garage, storage room and attic...they're all for sale too! If you have an abundance of furniture, clothing, children's toys, collectibles or books, consider putting them in off-site storage. Bottom line...get things moving...out that is!

Step 2: If It's Broke...Fix It
You might not notice the "little things" but they can add up in the buyer's mind. Oiling squeaky hinges and tightening loose cabinet knobs keep your buyer from getting distracted by a growing list of nuisance to-do's. So go ahead and paint that avacodo green dining room, fix that leaky faucet and replace the broken screen door...your spouse will thank you and the prospective buyer won't notice a thing...and that's good!

Step 3: Spit-n-Polish 'Til It Shines
Even in a beautiful house, carpet stains, sticky door knobs and grimy switch plates will give buyers pause. Cleaning your home is the easiest and most cost-effective thing you can do to make it more appealing. Keep in mind buyers especially notice kitchens and bathrooms. Bathroom need to be spotless. Polishing the fixtures, replacing the old shower curtain, de-cluttering the countertops and hanging some new towel are just a few ways to make a bathroom look great. In the kitchen, clean every appliance 'til it shines including the inside of that oven...many buyers will check there for a clue to your housekeeping habits. And don't forget to work out an arrangement with your kids to keep their rooms neat. While toys aren't "dirty" they are distracting and can be a hazard if left lying all over the house.

Step 4: Catch Your Buyer’s Eye (and Nose!)
Freshly cut grass outside and fresh-cut flowers on the dining room table are ways to "stage" your home for prospective buyers. That initial impression is known as "curb appeal." Haven't taken notice of your "curb appeal" lately? Walk across the street and take a good look at your house. Then look at nearby houses. How does yours compare? Don't underestimate what a fresh coat of paint, cutting your grass or planting a few flowering plants can do. Once inside, keep it light and bright by leaving lights on and opening every window covering (unless you have a lovely view of a parking lot). Keep the air light too. Let some fresh air in before a showing and simply light a candle on your way out the door. And don't forget to lock up or take pets with you. I know, Fido and Boots are harmless, but they are also distracting. You want people noticing your house, not playing with your pets.

Ready to get started?
Click here for The Big Picture: Exterior/Interior Checklist
Click here for The Details: Room-by-Room Checklist