How to prepare a home for showings? An old subject, yet on that is so important, it is never a bad idea to go back to the basics and hit this subject one more time. Why? To begin with, first impressions are lasting! Therefore we must remember that the front door greets the prospective buyer. Make sure it appears fresh and clean. Paint the trim, if necessary. If it is stained you should restain it.
Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse. Reseed and fertilize the lawn, if necessary. Weed the gardens, and add mulch. Deep green grass makes a lasting impression. In the fall it could not hurt to over seed with Winter Rye Grass.
Decorate for a quick sale. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospective buyer how your home could look, when you can show him by a few cans of paint, caulk, and stain? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. Take down that wallpaper and make an investment in neutral new kitchen paint as it will pay dividends.
Let the sun shine in. Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. (Dark rooms do not appeal). Add brighter light bulbs to make rooms brighter. You would be shocked at how changing out 50 watt bulbs for 75 watt bulbs can make a room feel more inviting!
Do the windows and window screens work well and look good? Make sure the windows spotless. Are the appliances sparkling clean and operating properly?
Make sure and fix the faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing. Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed.
From top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull basements by painting walls and adding brighter light bulbs. Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries. Pack excess linens and clothing to make closets look bigger. Neat, well-ordered closets show the space is ample.
Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair grout in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle. Don’t let the Handy Man add gobs of caulking when grout is what you need. Arrange bedrooms neatly. If you have a King sized bed in your Owner’s Suite and can change it out for a Queen during the selling process it will make the room feel much larger! Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and fresh looking window coverings. Remove or mention to your Realtor any attached items that are not included, such as special chandeliers, shelving or garden plants. With this said, it would be better to take those special fixtures or shelving down and remove them from the house if at all possible. I have seen these items bust a sale or two in my years.
Be familiar with similar, possibly competing, homes on the market. Ask your Realtor for a list of ways to improve the marketability of your home without wasting time and money. Can you see the light? Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel a glowing evening when you turn on all your lights for an evening showing in the Autumn of the year. Disclose any structural defects such as roof, foundation or wiring problems.
Now, have you started looking for your new home? Do you know what you want in another home? Think about what must be done to prepare for your upcoming move. If you have any questions or comments please let me know!
