WAYS TO
PREPARE YOUR
HOUSE FOR SALE
In the market to sell your home? Follow these tips on
how to optimize the home-selling process.
• Make sure your landscaping is appealing to the eye
and aligns with the season.
• Add shrubs, plants or flowers to line the front of your
home to add curb appeal.
• Use a power washer or a hose attachment sprayer to
clean the exterior of your home.
• Clean out gutters and wash windows.
• Make repairs to screens, leaks, and broken windows
where possible.
• A fresh coat of paint on the front door, a new welcome
mat and an inviting entrance can give a great first
impression.
• Add or refresh house numbers to make them visible
from the curb.
• Make the entryway valuable by adding a simple coat
rack if there isn’t a closet.
• Remove shoes, bags, coats and excess furniture from
the entryway.
• Make sure the view from the entryway is clear into all
visible rooms.
• Remove oversized furniture and organize remaining
furniture to make the room look as large as possible.
• Leave just enough furniture in each room to show the
purpose of the room.
• Depersonalize rooms by removing photographs of
family, personal sayings and artwork.
• Open curtains and blinds to allow as much natural
light in as possible.
• Leave countertops clear of small appliances and wipe
them down.
• Clean out cabinets, refrigerator and pantry to allow for
a roomy look.
• Clean carpets and flooring before showing your home.
• Clean mirrors, countertops and sink bowls.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
• Close your toilet lid.
• Hang fresh towels in the bathrooms in neutral colors.
• Eliminate harsh odors with natural scents or by adding
fresh flowers or baking a batch of cookies (Yum!).
• Paint rooms with neutral colors to appeal to
more buyers.
• Declutter closets by removing half of your clothes,
giving the illusion of more space.
• Clear out the garage as much as possible to leave extra
room for cars.
• Sit back and get ready for some offers!
28
724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
❘
icmags.com
fastest, with an average of 83 days on the market, while homes with
an ocean view sit for 98 days (mostly due to the elevated price of
oceanfront property). If you are in love with a home with a view, be
sure it is there to stay. Although you may see rolling hills through
your living room window now, who’s to say a real estate developer
won’t see that same space as the perfect opportunity to build more
homes? Check with your local municipality for land use regulations
to make sure your view will remain.
6. BUYING/SELLING:
Your real estate agent matters.
According to Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff, research shows
gender matters when choosing a real estate agent. Rascoff says
men will get your home sold closer to asking price because they
are stubborn, while women will negotiate and close the deal faster.
Most importantly, find an agent who will work on your behalf.
Ask friends and family for references of agents they’ve used in the
past. Look up their current listings to see if they align with the
type of home you want to buy or sell. This will also indicate their
knowledge of the market.
7. BUYING/SELLING:
Get a second opinion.
When you have lived in your home for years, it’s easy to overlook
problems that potential buyers may spot right away. Have a relative
or trusted friend come over to spot any small fixes that you can
make prior to putting your home on the market to make sure it’s
in optimal condition prior to selling. When considering buying
a home, it’s also helpful to have someone who is not buying the
home go with you to take a look. He/she will be able to point out
potential issues that you may not see when trying to make such an
important decision.