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The Critical Things That Sell
A Home
By applying as many of the
ideas below as possible, the seller will create an incredible
first impression that will impress all potential buyers
that come to preview your home. Keep in mind that the
way you live in a home and the way you sell a home are
very different. By taking the time to show your home in its
best light possible, you will maximize your dollars and guarantee
a quicker sale. And don't be afraid to rent storage space
or have a garage sale!
- One of the easiest things
to do is trim the shrubs that are overgrown.
They should be lowered to a height near the bottom
of the
windows. If there is ivy growing on the side of the
home, remove it.
- If there are tree branches
hanging low in the yard, they need to be
pruned. A simple rule of thumb is to have all
the limbs high
enough so that you can walk under the tree.
- Invest in a few flats
of flowers such as petunias or periwinkles that
will last the entire growing season. They will add
color and beauty to the front of your home. Consider
putting some nice looking flower pots on the porch
with red geraniums or some other blooming plants in
them.
- Look at the front door and
the area around it. Give it a fresh coat of paint.
If the doorbell is broken, replace it. Wash the mail
box.
- Keep the porch swept.
Get an attractive mat for people to wipe their
feet.
- Air out the home.
You are the last person to notice any peculiar odor in
your home that may be blatantly obvious to visitors.
Go on a search to find the offender. It may be a kitty
litter box or a dog bed. It might even be a mildewed
shower.
- Wash all the windows
in the house, inside and out. While you're
at it, clean the window seals and the bottom of
the
window
jambs, and wash the blinds.
- If
it has been over a year since you've had the carpets
cleaned, now
is the time to do it. The bare floors should
also be waxed or polished, even if they're
supposed to be "no wax."
- Put bright light bulbs
in every socket made for a bulb. Buyers like "bright
and cheery" so you have to keep it from looking
like a dungeon. You'll also want to keep the drapes
and shades open during the day, even if you're
not in the habit, because it will make the property
look
better.
- Clean out all
of the closets, cabinets, and drawers. Get rid of things
you haven't
used in the last five years. Pack up everything that
you haven't used in the last year.
- Closets
should look as they have enough room to hold additional
items. You might
need to box up off-season clothes to make it look
that way. Get everything off the floor and don't
have the shelves piled to the ceiling.
- Even though it may be
inconvenient, you will be far better off by selecting
the furniture pieces that look best and putting
others in the garage, basement, or better yet, in storage.
You
can rent a mini-warehouse for a few dollars a month.
- Go over the kitchen
like a health inspector. Clean the oven and keep
it that way, even if it means eating out more often.
After cleaning the range, put new drip pans under
the burners, or at least, cover the old ones in foil.
Clean
around the seal of the door of the dishwasher.
- Bathtubs, showers and
sinks should be freshly caulked. All the grout should
be cleaned and in good condition. There are excellent
cleaners that will do the job without tons of scrubbing.
There should be no leaks in the faucets or traps.
- Keep children's
toys out of the front yard and off the sidewalks
and front porch. Get the teenagers and children to
understand
the importance of keeping the house looking good
while it is on the market. Take down posters until
house
is sold.
- Clean the ashes out
of the fireplace during the season that it isn't
being used.
- Be sure there is a
light in the attic so it is easy and safe for
people to inspect and walk.
- If you don't
have time for a garage sale, consider donating things
to charity.
Make a list of all the items and their estimated value,
and be sure to get a receipt. The donation is tax deductible
and may be worth more to you then the time and effort
you'd put into a garage sale.
- The pool needs to be
sparkling and free of leaves. If badly stained,
have it acid washed.
- Remove dated wallpaper in
the entry, kitchen and baths if necessary.
- Replace ugly or out
of style light fixtures. Make sure they are all
clean and reflect light.
- Completely paint the inside
of the home and put new floor coverings down if
possible (especially stained, torn or worn linoleum).
- Remove dated window
treatments. Bare windows are preferable.
- Cut and fertilize grass,
trim bushes and trees, pull weeds, wash down driveway
and sidewalks, and water plants regularly.
- Fix, repair or replace any
torn screens, broken or cracked glass, loose handles,
broken hinges, doorknobs, gates, fences, etc.
- Make sure all electrical
outlets, appliances, ground fault interrupters and smoke
detectors are working. Check hot water heater for leaks.
Clean furnace filter and fireplace.
- Finally, remove any
items that you do not want to sell with the home,
such as a special chandelier or wall system. Put away
valuables or collections. Clear kitchen counters and
refrigerator fronts of any clutter.
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