How To Prepare Your Home For Sale

BE OBJECTIVE

The most important factor – and often the most difficult – is to be objective. You are, after all, trying to SELL your home. What the potential buyers think is what is important, not what you think. A buyer needs to be able to “see himself” in the house.

DE-CLUTTER

There are two reasons to de-clutter. The first is to make the absolute most of the space you have – to make it look to a buyer that there is room for everything and anything (i.e. no space issues). This might even involve putting a few pieces of furniture into temporary storage. The second is to de-personalize your home. As much as you may like your gadgets, your treasures and your family photos, your buyer isn’t likely to give a hoot about them and they only make it difficult for the buyer to visualize him or herself in your house.

SPRUCE IT UP

Curb appeal is very important. It creates the first impression of your home. Staring with the exterior, make sure everything is trimmed, tidied and that there are no signs of neglect or disrepair. Move on to the interior and CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN! Ensure that all windows are clean and sparkling, have carpets professionally cleaned, paint the walls if needed and make any repairs that are required.

SPECIAL DETAILS FOR SHOWINGS

Turn on all lights, open drapes and shutters in daytime. Keep pets secured, make sure bathrooms are clean and bathroom linens are fresh. Most importantly, VACATE the property while it is being shown.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Your Agent has a professional photographer for this step. Most buyers are very picky about the houses they choose to see. If the pictures on the MLS® System and other websites aren’t great, you will lose out on showings. You will have a leg up on the competition of you present your listing with professional photos.