Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM November 2018 | Page 18

Preparing Your Home For Sale By: Deborah Bly RE/MAX Space Center - The Bly Team [email protected] Y our house may satisfy the practical requirements a potential buyer is looking for- location, price, style and amenities- but does it inspire an emotional connection? There are many ways to prepare your home for sale that doesn’t break the bank but has a big impact in allowing prospective buyers to imagine themselves living in your home! • Create a clean, organized entry • Remove clutter such as stray newspapers and magazines • Clean all light fixtures and replace dull lightbulbs • Repair wall and ceiling cracks • Fresh paint • Scrub, wax, or seal floors • Make sure carpet is clean • Rearrange furniture in living room and family room to create more open space. Exterior/Add Curb Appeal The exterior of your home forms the first impression a prospective buyer will have. Stand in front of your house and view it as though you were the buyers. Ask yourself the following questions…. • Is the yard mowed, weeded, trimmed and watered • Do the front door, trim and windows need painting or washing? • Is there a new welcome mat on the front porch? • Can I read the house number clearly? • Are the windows clean -inside and out? • Are there damaged windows or missing screens? • Are there extra vehicles in the driveway? • Are fences and gates in good condition? • Are the rain gutters, siding and roof in good condition? Highlight the kitchen and Baths! Prospective buyers also tend to focus on two key areas: the kitchen and the bathroom. Attention to details in these rooms can make a big difference. • Place a bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen • Put seldom-used small appliances in cupboards 17 MOMENTUM / November 2018 • • • • • • • • Inspect cabinets and clear counters of clutter Clean all mirrors and objects left on counters Fix leaky faucets and caulk sinks and tubs Place soaps, bath oils and thick towels in bathrooms Scrub and polish all sinks and tubs Purchase new (neutral/white) shower curtains and rugs Repair missing grouts and tiles Deodorize garbage disposal, dishwasher and trash cans Beware of odors! Walking into a fresh smelling home makes a huge 1st impression! Number 1 odors to look out for are • Pet odors. We all love our pets, but they can be deal breakers when selling a home. • Strong cooking odors. Fresh bake cookies and bread are great deal makers. Heavy oil, curry or fish odors are best avoided. • Heavy potpourri or plug in fresheners. Although these items can be great for freshening up a home, be careful! A little goes a long way! • And the worst offender... Cigarette smoke. This one will stop people at the door and have them not even enter your home! A tough odor to get rid of but worth the effort to get rid of. With the inventory of homes on the market today, homebuyers can afford to be choosy. Buyers are looking for the best Put extra dollars in your own pocket by presenting your home in pristine condition. Using these tips to whip your home into shape and wow potential buyers is only to your advantage. Once you’re finished, step back and admire your work. How does it look? Do you see anything that might distract or turn off a Buyer? Take one final walk through all the rooms and adjust as necessary. Now… Back away and don’t Touch! All your effort will go toward getting the best price for your home! Contact us for a free consultation.