10 Things You Can Do To Prep Your Home To Sell

 10 Things You Can Do To Prep Your Home To Sell

Minimize to Maximize Your Square Footage - If the buyer is unable to envision themselves living in your home, they will not buy it.  It really is that simple.  Remove ALL excess furniture to make each room more accessible, spacious, and airy.  This will help maximize your square footage by establishing an easy flow throughout the home, giving buyers a sense of what the space could become if they lived there.

Appeal to the Senses - Smells stink!  Thoroughly clean the home, eliminating pet odors, tobacco, and any strong cooking smells.  Once sanitized, use a lightly scented candle or air freshener to create a fresh scent.  Even if the refrigerator is not staying with the house, put in a new box of baking soda to neutralize pH levels to eliminate odors.

Neutralize Paint - Use neutral paint throughout.  The most popular neutral colors include white, beige, or gray for the exterior and shades of white, beige, and light pastels for the interior.  Many buyers will run at the sight of wallpaper and borders so try to limit their use.  Instead of using bright paint colors, utilize color accents such as art, pictures, décor, pillows, and throws to add a splash of color without detracting from the overall room.

Stage Your Home – Minimize trinkets and personal items throughout the home as they are buyer distractions.  Open curtains and blinds to bring in natural light and use mirrors to help magnify a space and brighten up a room.  If your home has a fireplace, show it off by keeping it clean, well kept, and ensure the protective screen is in good condition.  Removing appliances and gadgets from countertops will help make your home look uncluttered and inviting.

Curb Appeal - Mow, edge, rake, tackle the weeds, trim shrubs/trees, and water the lawn so it looks neat and tidy. Replace any burnt out lightbulbs, fix borders/railings, and paint the front door (if necessary).  If the outside looks good, buyers will want to see what the inside looks like too.

Spruce Up Bedrooms & Bathrooms - Clean, clean, and more cleaning.  Replace old fixtures, toilet seats, shower curtails, and neutralize window treatments and towels.  Rest assured, buyers will notice dirty tile grout in the bathroom, and excessive personal care items throughout.  Easily remove those distractions and create a space that is both welcoming and functional.

Noise Control - When entering a home, buyers’ senses are on alert for anything unusual, that includes sounds.  Make your home a serene peaceful environment by minimizing the amount of noise a potential buyer will encounter.  Make arrangements for pets to be elswhere and avoid running the lawnmower, dishwasher, washer, or dryer while buyers are present.  Make sure mechanical issues are resolved so that noises are eliminated from HVAC units and plumbing pipes too.

Clean and Organize - Do you see the common theme?  CLEAN!  Vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, mopping, and scrubbing baseboards will help do wonders to sell your home. Make sure the basement, attic, laundry room, pantry, under the sink, cupboards, and closets are organized and tidy.  Buyers look EVERYWHERE so do not clean one space by moving the items into another.  A clean and organized home gives the appearance the property is well maintained, it should be.

Provide Maintenance - Fix any preventive maintenance issues around your home such as replacing cracked or broken windows, broken or missing roof shingles, and using WD-40 to silence squeaky doors.  Repair mechanical issues such as leaking faucets, faulty appliances, or banging pipes.  If you know it is broke, repair or replace so buyers will see the house in its best light.

Be Ready - Have a “leave quickly” plan for those spur of the moment showings.  Keeping both the interior and exterior looking their best will always give your property its best opportunity to show well and sell quickly.  Know your “bottom line” when offers arrive, listen to your Realtors advice, and have a plan “B” in the event your home does not sell quickly.

About the author: Anita Clark is a Realtor in Houston County GA, specializing in Warner Robins Real Estate.