When selling your home, the first impression can be the most important. Potential home buyers will see the exterior of your home first and it should look fresh and inviting. Curb appeal is key and having a tasteful marketing sign will tell prospective buyers that your house is available and worth investigating.
Give the front door and entry way a fresh coat of paint, and keep the porch and sidewalks swept clean of any debris. Water and trim the yard, and make sure the kids keep their bicycles and other toys put away when not in use. A well kept yard is a good reflection on your house and the neighborhood.
Flower beds and other landscaping should be freshened up and have a fresh layer of bark or potting soil applied. Prune trees with awkward or low hanging branches that obscure the house from viewing. Power-wash the driveway, sidewalks, curbs and even the house if applicable. Clean the garage floor, clear the gutters, and remove any leaves from the roof. Replace any torn or damaged window screens, and oil any sticky locks or squeaky door hinges.
Cleaning the inside of your home is just as important as cleaning the outside. Make sure that all glass surfaces are clean and shiny; display your best linens and drapes in the bedrooms and bathrooms. Make sure the cabinets don’t stick, the toilets don’t run constantly, and the plumbing doesn’t leak. Have the carpets professionally cleaned, tile scrubbed, wood walls polished, and clear any dust bunnies from the air vents.
Keep the house as clutter free as possible. This might mean a daily, light cleaning routine. Using a few minutes every day to spot clean can make showings a breeze. Organize and exhibit your garage as clutter free to make it look bigger. All the lights should have working bulbs, and darker rooms should have a light on during the showing. Arrange items in the various closets to optimize space and look roomy. Rent a storage facility if needed for excess furniture and belongings.
Detach from your home by storing family photos and other personal memorabilia so that buyers can easily imagine themselves living in the house. The family should be away from home or at the very least, out of the way while it is being shown. Keep any pet related articles such as bedding or food dishes extremely clean or out of sight. Pets should be outside and barking dogs should be offsite during showings.
Make your home brighter by opening all the drapes and keeping all the lights on, especially at night. Turn off all the TVs and radios or play soft music throughout the house. When preparing your house for a showing, think of the home as a model unit and make it look as inviting as possible.
Representation is important regardless if you are selling or buying a first home or a weekend retreat. Ray Ward and Waterway Realty will be there from start to finish getting you the best deal possible. Ray Ward has proven himself time and again with more than 23 years experience, not to mention being recognized by his peers as an outstanding agent.
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