To help me sell your home as quickly as possible and at the highest possible price, you can play an important role. I recommend that you use the following list as a guide when preparing your home for sale.
Maximize the Value of the First Impression
Think about what prospective buyers see first. A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch will draw them in, as will a freshly painted front door. Don’t place any obstacles between your buyer and the genuine appeal of your property. In autumn, make sure to rake the leaves; in winter, make sure the walkways are shoveled clean. You want to communicate to the buyer a clear message that you care for your property.
Reap Big Dividends from Small Investments
To clean up in real estate, clean up the living room, the bathroom, and the kitchen. If you notice wear and tear on woodwork or painted surfaces, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds brightness, charm, and value to your property. Buyers would rather see your home at its best than hear how great it could look, "with a little work."
Check Faucets and Bulbs
Even something as apparently insignificant as a dripping faucet can turn a buyer’s head away from the path to purchasing your home. Dripping water torments the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Don’t leave buyers in the dark. Replace those burned out bulbs. Take care of the little tasks, and the big tasks, like selling the property, will go much more smoothly.
Check the Doors of Cabinets and Closets
To make sure your negotiation go smoothly, start by making sure your cabinets or closets smoothly open and close. Anything that sticks also sticks in the buyer’s mind. Don’t impede the good impression your property can make. Take care of the little tasks, and the big tasks, like selling the property, will go much more smoothly.
Make Your Property Safe for the New Owner
You may have learned to live with all kinds of foibles on your property, features that give it personality, a lived-in look and feel, but shoes piled on the stairs, tangled extension cords overloading outlets, throw rugs set for a pratfall and low-hanging overhead lights can really ruin the impression your property makes on a prospective buyer. Think safety.
Make Room for Space
Buyers want to see more than just a comfortable living space. They want storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean, free of clutter and easy to inspect.
Consolidate Your Closets
Orderly closets look bigger. Now is the time to select the clothes you really wear and donate the rest to charity.
Put the Sparkle back in Your Bathrooms
Everyone knows that bathrooms sell homes, so make sure yours are shining. Inspect and repair as necessary any damaged or unsightly caulking around your tubs and showers. Accessories also score big points. Put out your best towels, mats and shower curtains.
Bedrooms are for Dreams
A few light touches will wake up buyers to the peaceful comforts of your bedrooms. To increase the feeling of space, take out any extra furniture. Make your beds with colorful bedspreads and pillows. Fresh curtains and clean windows are crucial.
Brighten the Day
Your rooms will seem much bigger with the curtains and drapes pulled back. Let prospective buyers see how bright and cheery your home really is.
Brighten the Night
Turn up the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.
Buyers Like to Have the Place to Themselves
Potential buyers want to get the feel of owning your property, but they sometime have a hard time getting that feeling if their future home is already full of strangers. Frustrated by the intrusive presence of other people, buyers will often hurry through and hurry away instead of giving your house the attention it deserves. Diana knows how to coordinate appointments. Let her have the house to herself so that buyers can imagine themselves as the proud new owners.
Board Your Pets
Your dogs and cats are your valued companions, but buyers may not share your affection. Even docile pets can undermine the positive impression of your property that Diana is building in the hearts and minds of prospective buyers. For the time it takes to sell your property, consider boarding your pets and removing all signs of them from the property. If you really can’t part with them, make sure they stay outside, or at least out of the way.
Think Volume
Not everyone loves Pavarotti at pane-rattling volume, and although rock and roll may never die, it could quickly kill a real estate transaction. Keep the volume down.
Relax and Stay Clear
Potential buyers want to try your home on for size, and it doesn’t help if you’re already in there wearing it. Diana recommends that you be out during showings, but if you must be home, be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Buyers are there to view your home, and they will appreciate you giving them as few distractions as possible.
Don't Apologize
No matter how ‘challenged’ your property may be, never apologize. If a prospective buyer risks a derogatory comment about your home's appearance, let Diana handle the situation.
Keep a Low Profile
Diana recommends that you be away during showings, but if you must be home, Diana will have an easier time expressing the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.
Don't Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
If you are present while Diana is showing your home to a prospective buyer, please don't offer to sell them your furniture.
Never do Your Own Negotiating
When a prospective buyer want to talk about the price, or other terms related to your property or real estate in general, let them speak to your expert. Let them negotiate with Diana.
Help Your Agent
Let Diana schedule showings of your home. The results will please you.