Three Things You Should do to Get Your Home Sold and Why!

We've all seen them, the before and after DIY TV shows that transform homes for sale. But are they true? Well folks, as an experienced Realtor, after getting the right listing price, there's nothing more important you can do for the sale of your home than prepare the way it looks. We 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.

Here are the three top things you should do to prepare your home - even if you can't do anything else - before you put it on the market:

1. Maximize the Exterior and Enhance the Curb Appeal



It's just as important to beautify the exterior of your home as the inside!



Why? If Buyers don't like what they see on the outside they may not even go into your home. Don't forget, if we're not there already, we are approaching a "Buyers Market" meaning they have their pick of many homes to choose from. Make your's the one they want more than any other! Now's the time to trim overgrown trees and bushes, check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling, look for peeling paint and clean the gutters out. And if you have the space, don't forget to put a beautiful (showy) pot of colorful flowers on the front porch to welcome all Buyers and hopefully a quick sale. We know it's a lot of work, but this will pay off in the end. 

2. Maximize the Interior Appeal
Why? Buyers are not really interested in your taste in decoration (unless you happen to be an award-winning interior designer), they want to envision it as their own. Re-paint rooms in neutral tones, re-place broken stove burners, fix that loudly humming refrigerator. And also repair dripping faucets and showerheads. All of these things will distract potential Buyers away from the possibilities.You may even want to purchase pretty new towels for the bathroom, to be brought out only when prospective buyers are on the way.

3. De-Clutter and Thoroughly Clean the Home top to Bottom:
Why? Now's the time to start packing for the move to your next home. Put away all those baby pictures, graduation photos and wedding collages that mean so much to your family. You don't want Buyers to spend time looking at them, you want them to see the beautiful woodwork, the shining hard wood floors and the lovely (expensive) kitchen granite. When your "stuff" is all around they will miss out on the important features of your home. So pack away the knick knacks that you love, hide the 101 spice jars in a neatly arranged cabinet and do a "clean sweep" of all the spaces in your home. You may come to love the uncluttered life.

Good luck selling your Ready-to-List home!