Tips for Selling Your Home

You don’t need to break the bank to get your house ready for sale. Knowing what to improve and what to leave alone is half the battle. Experts say that presenting your home in the best possible light to your local real estate market will receive the best possible results … a sale.

View these straightforward and actionable tips for selling your home.

A Grand Entrance

First impressions are vital, so pay special attention to the front entrance and make it as welcoming as possible. Serious home Buyers are experts at “drive-up appeal.”  If the first look doesn’t grab them, they’ll drive right past.

  • Check the condition of the front door. Wash it, polish brass hardware and paint it if necessary.
  • Buy a new welcome mat. It’s an inexpensive way to freshen up the entrance to the house.
  • Place a pair of planters with colorful flowers on either side of the door to create a fresh, “homey” appeal.

Outside the House

  • Keep the lawn mowed and sidewalks swept clean during the listing period.
  • Have windows cleaned until they’re shiny & sparkling.
  • Wash down the exterior walls and touch up the paint on the gutters, eaves and window frames.
  • Repair the fences and gates where necessary. This will help to give an overall look of good maintenance.
  • Remove any clutter (toys, bikes, skate boards) from the yard.
  • Plant annuals for a splash of bright, cheerful color.
  • If you have a pool, make sure it is clean and sparkling. The areas surrounding the pool should be as clean and tidy as possible also.
  • Make sure all the windows and doors open, close and lock properly.

Inside the House

  • Make the best of your carpets by having them cleaned. It is possible to rent a carpet cleaner to do the job yourself.
  • Place high-wattage light bulbs in all light fixtures, and use lamps to brighten up any dark areas.
  • Fix minor faults such as cracked glass, loose knobs, sticking doors, cracked tiles, dripping faucets and broken power & light cover plates.
  • In the Kitchen, the stove, sink, refrigerator and all workspaces should be spotless.
  • In the Bathroom, all surfaces should be clean and fresh. Replace worn shower curtains and towels with something new, bright and cheerful.
  • Clean out cabinets and closets. Messy, cluttered closets may give a potential Buyer the impression that the house doesn’t have enough storage space.
  • Create a feeling of spaciousness in living areas by storing unnecessary furniture and accessories. Use a mini-storage space if necessary.
  • If your house has a smell, it just won’t sell.

Get Ready for a Showing

  • Make sure the house is clean, neat and uncluttered.
  • Maximize natural light as much as possible by opening all the curtains.
  • Use fresh flowers to create a light, pleasant fragrance.
  • During the colder months, light a fire if you have a fireplace. In the spring, leave the windows open to catch a cool breeze.
  • Leave soft music playing on the stereo.
  • Keep pets outside. Not everyone likes animals. Also, they can be distracting.

And finally, one of the most important tips for selling your home: work with an experienced Realtor® who can guide you through these steps and advise you on the final preparation of your home before showing begin.

Contact The Jan Richey Team today at 972-742-0177 or message us here.

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