Preparing Your Home for Sale

The following tips can help you present your home so that it shows best to potential buyers. Remember these home preparation guidelines: Simplify, organize, clean, and fragrance.

Exterior and Curb Appeal

Experts say most buyers make their decision at first sight.

General Exterior

Prospective buyers will react well to signs your home has been meticulously maintained.

• Manicure landscaping: mow, edge and water lawn, trim hedges, weed and fertilize flowers, and prune trees.
• Keep driveway clean and free of parked cars, and keep the garage door closed.
• Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
• Minimize cracks or crumbling on walkways, walls, or steps, and keep them clean and free of obstructions.
• Items from RV's to waste cans left out can contribute to a cluttered or busy appearance. Make sure that from the street, your property appears clear.
• Inspect appearance of interior window coverings from the curb.
• Repair any peeling paint or loose caulking on windows or other areas.
• Take steps to eliminate insect or rodent pests.
• Pick up after your pets or neighborhood animals.

Doorway

While agents work the Iockbox for a key, buyers have idle time to notice details.

• Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door and frame.
• Consider adding pots of flowering plants in the entryway if weather permits.
• Eliminate cobwebs and groom doorway area windows, porchlight, or decorative glass.

Interior Appeal

Once inside, experts say most buyers are reaffirming their curbside decision.

Clean, Clear, Light and Bright

• Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. Hiring a cleaning service may pay for itself by adding to a buyer's perceived value of your home.
• For a sleeker, more spacious look, consider placing furniture from crowded rooms in storage.
• Clear kitchen counters of everything other than perhaps a few very pretty items.
• Ask yourself: In a model home, would a professional decorator put your choice of items out on the counter?
• Remember: closets will be opened! Keep closets, cupboards, and even your attic orderly and neat. Since you are anticipating a move anyway, consider holding a garage sale or boxing and storing unused belongings.
• Repaint or clean/replace dingy, soiled or strongly-colored walls, and window and floor coverings with a light, neutral shade. Bright rooms look bigger, and neutral colors help buyers envision their own furnishings.
• Repair dripping faucets, burned-out light bulbs, or cracked windowpanes.
• Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, and tiles.

Warm and Homey

• Subtle scents of potpourri in bedrooms or baths and fresh baked cookies or cinnamon in the kitchen can make your home more inviting.
• Keep an attractive set of towels in each bathroom to be brought out only for showings.