Learning Center

Return To Learning Center Index

Ready Your Property For Sale

In a challenging real estate market it is extremely important to get your house in tip top condition before putting it on the market. With an abundance of houses available, and prices falling off, buyers have the advantage and they use it. They are in a position to look at multiple homes to find the best combination of amenities and price. Homes that are priced right and show well attract interest. The grass has been cut, the shrubs are manicured, the house is free of clutter, and the walls are freshly painted. Anything old or ratty has been replaced so the home looks fresh and inviting.

Here are some ideas homeowners may want to consider to make sure their property stands out.

• Curb Appeal: First impressions, as we all know, are priceless. Curb appeal is a buyers first impression of your home making it probably the most important factor to consider when preparing your house for the market. The house should appear clean and well maintained with no cracked paint or stains. Consider pressure washing the sidewalks, resealing the driveways and replacing the mailbox. Flower gardens should be weeded, gutters free of debris. Make sure the windows sparkle, toys and lawn equipment are put away. Stand back and take a good look to decide if there is anything at all that could distract a buyer from wanting to come inside.
• Kitchen and bathrooms: According to housing experts across the country, kitchens are the #1 seller of homes, with bathrooms coming in a close second. Replace countertops if needed, and make sure wood cabinets and flooring are clean and in good shape. Appliances should be clean and in working order.
• Living areas and closets: De-cluttering as much as possible will make the house appear open and inviting. If you have collections, personal photos etc, it might be a good time to pack them away and store them off site. This allows the buyer to visualize making the space their own without being distracted by your stuff. The same goes for closets. Crowded closets indicate there is not adequate storage in the house. Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with fresh cut flowers and candles.
• Flooring: All floors should be in good shape, clean and preferably a neutral color. Carpets should be shampooed and free of offensive odors. Buyers usually want to pick their own carpet so you shouldn't have to worry about replacing it. However, it the carpet is really bad, replacing it with an inexpensive neutral color Berber that you install yourself is a good option.
• Doors and windows: Your front door should be eye appealing and inviting to buyers. Replacing the hardware is a cost effective way to make doors look new. Make sure the doorbell works. Paint interior doors if needed and make sure all the hardware matches. Doors should shut completely and quietly with not too much effort.
• Garages: Cleaning, decluttering and organizing are the key things to consider in the garage. Use cabinets, bins, lockers, hooks and hangers to store everything neatly.
• Decks, patios and pools: Make that outdoor living space as uncluttered and inviting as possible. Clean the furniture, sweep the floors, get rid of any debris or cobwebs. Set up the grill. Let the buyer visualize relaxing or entertaining in the back yard. Make sure pools and spas have enough water, and there are no leaks. Repair any broken equipment.

Making sure your home is ready for showing will give you a sense of confidence that buyers will be seeing it in its best light. A home that has been properly prepared for the market can mean the difference between a quick sale or a slow, difficult process. It can also mean the difference between low ball offers and strong offers. Why not give yourself the advantage of knowing your house is in the best possible condition. Ready it, show it, sell it and save!

Copyright© 2008 FSBO Publishing Group, Inc., All rights reserved. This material may not be republished without written permission.