From
experience, REALTORS® also know that a "well-polished" house appeals
to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally,
buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what
they can see is maintained, what they can't see has probably also been
maintained. In readying your house for sale, consider:
- how much should you spend
- exterior and curb appeal
- preparing the interior
How
much should you spend
In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive "polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen. Your REALTOR®, who is familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood, can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.
In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive "polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen. Your REALTOR®, who is familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood, can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.
Maximizing
exterior and curb appeal
Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal. Tips to enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal:
Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal. Tips to enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal:
- Keep the lawn edged, cut and
watered regularly.
- Trim hedges, weed lawns and
flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly.
- Check the foundation, steps,
walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.
- Inspect doors and windows for
peeling paint.
- Clean and align gutters.
- Inspect and clean the chimney.
- Repair and replace loose or
damaged roof shingles.
- Repair and repaint loose siding
and caulking.
- In Northern winters, keep walks
neatly cleared of snow and ice.
- During spring and summer months
consider adding a few showy annuals, perhaps in pots, near your front
entrance.
- Re-seal an asphalt driveway.
- Keep your garage door closed.
- Store RVs or old and beaten up
cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.
- Apply a fresh coat of paint to
the front door.
Maximizing
interior appeal
Enhance your home’s interior by:
Enhance your home’s interior by:
- Giving every room in the house a thorough cleaning, as well as removing all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms have actually rented storage garages and moved half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
- Hiring a professional cleaning
service, once every few weeks while the house is on the market. This may
be a good investment for owners who are busy elsewhere.
- Removing the less frequently
used, even daily used items from kitchen counters, closets, and attics,
making these areas much more inviting. Since you're anticipating a move anyhow,
holding a garage sale at this point is a great idea.
- If necessary, repainting dingy,
soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as
off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and
linoleum.
- Checking for cracks, leaks and
signs of dampness in the attic and basement.
- Repairing cracks, holes or damage
to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
- Replacing broken or cracked
windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork. Inspecting and repairing the
plumbing, heating , cooling, and alarm systems.
- Repairing dripping faucets and
showerheads. Buying showy new towels for the bathroom, to be brought out
only when prospective buyers are on the way.
- Sprucing up a kitchen in need of
more major remodeling by investing in new cabinet knobs, new curtains, or
a coat of neutral paint