10 Tips to Prepare a House For Sale

In today's challenging market, it is very important for sellers to make sure that their house stands out above the others to get the buyer's attention. By employing some basic staging principles, your house will leave a better impression and draw the buyer in for a second look.

Here are some basic pointers to help get your home from "lived in" to "house for sale":

1) DE-CLUTTER-Inside and outside. When something is taking up space, it is a potential candidate to be thrown out. Personal items are a big distraction. Buyers should be able to visualize their own belongings in the house.

 

2) REPAIR-Buyers want to see things that are working. Dripping faucets, broken windows, leaking roofs, damaged walls or doors, etc. will cause the buyer to think, "What else is broken or doesn't work?".

 

3) TONS OF LIGHT-Let light in and open some windows to let fresh air in, the last thing a buyer wants to see is a dark home with covered doors and windows. Covered windows leaves the impression that there is something to hide.

 

4) CLEAN WINDOWS-Buyers want to be able to see the view from every room, making them look through dirty windows will ruin their impression on the scenery.

 

5) KITCHEN AND BATHROOM-Two of the most important rooms that a "deep clean" of the counters, floors, cabinets, and all fixtures will be necessary. For in the bathroom, consider new fixtures, counter tops, and perhaps redoing the shower and tub enclosures. If new fixtures aren't in your budget, consider getting them refinished. Grout lines should also be free of grease and dirt.

 

6) ODORS-Cigarette or pet odors can kill any possible deal. Drapes, carpets, and furniture should be professionally cleaned and smoking should not be in the house. Cooking odors and room de-odorizes also leave a bad impression. A little lemon oil mixed with water and lightly sprayed throughout the house can add just a bit of freshness without overpowering the house. Leaving a window slightly open to let in fresh air is the best.

 

7) PAINT-A fresh coat of paint, inside or outside, is an excellent way of freshening up your home. Use neutral colors and avoid accent painting-you are only guessing on what the buyer likes.

 

8) YARD WORK-Everything in the yard needs to be trimmed, manicured, and living. Don't leave things such as sports equipment, boats, trailers, toys, etc. lying around in the yard. Add some color by planting some annuals in planters in the back and front. Remember, curb appeal is the first impression a buyer has on your house.

 

9) FURNITURE-Less is best. Old, worn, or dated furniture should be placed in storage.

 

10) HARDWOOD FLOORS-Hardwood floors can be a huge plus for a buyer and it is very important for the floor to be refinished.