Five Tricks to Help You Sell Your Home Quickly
Check out your curb appeal
Step across the street and try to view your home through the eyes of a potential buyer. Make sure that the yard is free of leaves, weeds, dead plants, and other debris. Mow your lawn and you’re your bushes and trees. Plant a few flowers or add mulch to existing flower beds. Consider power washing the exterior. Make sure that gutters and siding are in good shape.
Get rid of clutter
Storage space is an important selling point. Potential buyers will likely open closets in the bedrooms and drawers and cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms. Prepare for your upcoming move by getting rid of excess clutter. Removing clothing, shoes, and other items that you do not need will help make your closets look larger. Go through kitchen cabinets and box up or get rid of items that you rarely use. Organize your pantry. Clear off countertops in your kitchen and bathroom. Get rid of extra furniture and make sure that there are clear pathways as you walk through rooms in your house. You could have a garage sale or rent a storage unit to help you with this process.
In addition to cleaning out closets and cabinets, it is also wise to organize other storage spaces such as the garage and the basement. Remove personal items such as collectibles and family photos throughout the house. This creates a sense of anonymity and makes it easier for the prospective buyer to visualize the home with their own items. If you have children, keep a basket or storage bucket handy so that you can quickly pick up and stash toys before showing your home.
Clean everything
If your carpet is stained or worn, hire professional cleaners to steam clean it. Thoroughly clean the rest of your home. Scrub the tub, shower, toilet, and fixtures in the bathrooms. In the kitchen, polish fixtures, clean out the microwave, the hood on the stove, and the top of the refrigerator. Dust throughout the house. Clean window treatments. While you are cleaning, make sure that there are no items that need to be repaired. Once you have cleaned your home, maintain it on a daily basis.
Start painting
Walk through your house and examine the walls. Are they dirty or do they have excessive markings? Is paint peeling or are the colors dark and outdated? If you are going to invest money prior to putting your home on the market, many experts suggest that painting the interior is the best bet. When painting, it is recommended that you use neutral colors such as white or off white.
Set the stage
The extra touches may set your home apart from others on the market. You want to make sure that your house smells good. Consider using plug in air fresheners with a neutral scent such as vanilla or cinnamon spice or burn candles prior to the showing. Keep refrigerated cookie dough on hand and bake a batch of cookies to leave out on the table before you leave. Add a flower arrangement to the table. Turn on all of the lights and open the windows. Play classical music lightly in the background. If you have pets, take them with you when you leave.
If your house has been on the market for awhile, ask friends and family members to walk through the house and critique from the eyes of a prospective buyer.
