Prepping Your Home For A Successful Sale

The Spring market - typically the strongest real estate market of the year - is here! If you are planning to sell your home, doing a little preparation beforehand can potentially help your home sell quicker and for a higher price. If you are able, moving out of your home prior to it going on the market is ideal. Work with your real estate agent on a plan for minor property repairs, cleaning, painting and staging of the home. If you need to remain in the home while it is active on the market, here are things to do to help present your home at its best:

Maximize Curb Appeal
Getting buyers through the front door starts at the curb. Manicure the lawn, and trim the trees and shrubs. Pull weeds and plant some colorful flowers. Clear the walkways. Fix peeling paint and wind up that hose. Paint the address number on the curb.

Make Repairs to Visible Blemishes
Is there something that’s an eyesore, but an easy fix? If looking at it bothers you, it could bother a potential buyer and reduce the appeal of your home. Replace burnt-out light bulbs, fix that loose door handle, and make needed paint touch-ups.

Make a Buyer’s Entrance Inviting
Freshly paint the front door with a color that contrasts the house. Add a new welcome mat and hang a fresh wreath on the door.

Let the Light Shine In
Remove heavy window coverings to let in the natural light we all crave and add lamps to brighten up darker areas to add more cheer.

Remove the Clutter
This serves two purposes.

• First, you want your home to have an open and inviting appearance. Removing clutter will make rooms appear larger and more appealing.
• Second, it helps YOU prepare to move. Going through the clutter and getting rid of what you don’t need will make your move much easier.

Remove Personal Items
It will be much easier for potential buyers to imagine your home as theirs when they can envision their own items in it.

Highlight Special Features
Use accents and color to draw eyes to special features that you want potential buyers to notice—throw pillows, plants, or other eye-catching accessories.

Add Mirrors
Use mirrors to make rooms look larger and lighter. Position opposite windows for best effect.

Clean Out Cabinets and Closets
Buyers are nosy and they WILL open the cabinets. Make sure your contents are orderly and organized.

Eliminate Odors
Clean to remove any odors and do not cook any meals with heavy, lasting smells before a showing.

Add Aromas
You can easily add appeal by quartering an orange and adding it to a pot of water with a cinnamon stick. Simmer on low for an inviting aroma. Or bake a fresh batch of cookies (and leave a plate of them on the counter for visitors).