Preparing Your Home for Sale
Getting Top Dollar for Your Home is Key
You want your home to look its very best and reflect its true value when seen by prospective buyers.
Of course, a clean home always makes a good impression, but there are some specific things that can be done to make your house look even more appealing. Some of these may be more cosmetic, such as minor repairs and paint touch-up. On the other hand, there may be repairs needed to make sure your home reflect its real value, such as updated cabinets, countertop or plumbing fixtures. In some instances there can be other things that will make all the difference in getting your asking price and selling quickly. You may even want to consider staging.
We will advise on exactly what needs to be done to prepare your home for prospective buyers—both with what is really needed and optional things that can have a big payback.
Enhancing Your Home for Impact
Closets
- Organize hangers
- Remove eye-sore items from sight
- Create a visual space that would make someone see the benefit of the space
Living Areas
- Have all plaster in top shape
- Use neutrals if painting
- Be sure lights work
- Wash windows
- Keep draperies open, window shades up
Bathroom
- Repair any dripping faucets
- Add fresh towels
- Remove stains from toilet(s), bathtubs, or sinks
- Keep bathroom(s) clean
- Replace old caulking or clean up grout
Kitchen
- Paint cabinets (to brighten)
- Put up new curtains
- Remove appliances from counters
- Clean off refrigerator
Basement, Attic, Garage
- Clean out the clutter
- Keep basement bright with new paint or lighting
- Ventilate or dehumidify
- Repair cracked floors and walls
Outdoors
- Place flowers out front
- Cut back overgrown shrubbery
- Keep lawn mowed
- Repaint front shutters, window trim, or front door
- Inspect roof and gutters for needed repairs
Real Estate Facts
Real estate is a commodity. It is similar to stocks or gold in that the buying public determines the value. It’s not what price the seller wants to set, but the buyer’s perception of value that determines the selling price. The one big difference between real estate and other commodities is that real estate is an emotional purchase. Buyers can fall in love with your home; they don’t fall in love with a stock (at least not typically!).
Negotiating & Closing
Negotiating a final price in many respects is an “art”, based on experience in understanding the desires and needs of the prospective buyer and your own circumstances and needs.
Steps to Selling
From start to finish—we’ve got the timeline you need to feel comfortable with the process.