A house that "sparkles" on the surface
will sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are
structurally well-maintained. From experience, REALTORS® also
know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers
and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers
feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if
what they can see is maintained, what they can't see has probably
also been maintained.
In readying
your house for sale, consider:
* How Much ShouldYou Spend?
* The Exterior "Curb Appeal"
* Preparing the Interior
How
Much Should You Spend?
In preparing your home for the market, spend as
little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new
roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay
for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive
"polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such
as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint
in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations,
like installing a new kitchen. Your REALTOR®, who is familiar
with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood, can advise you specifically
on what improvements need to be made.
Don't hesitate to ask for advice.
The
Exterior "Curb Appeal"
Before putting your house on the market, take as
much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize
its exterior and interior appeal.
Enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal
by:
* Keeping the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly;
* Trimming hedges, weeding lawns and flowerbeds, and pruning trees
regularly;
* Checking the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for
cracks and crumbling;
* Inspecting doors and windows for peeling paint;
* Cleaning and aligning gutters;
* Inspecting and cleaning the chimney;
* Repairing and replacing loose or damaged roof shingles;
* Repairing and repainting loose siding and caulking;
* In Northern winters, keeping walks neatly cleared of snow and
ice;
* During spring and summer months considering adding a few showy
annuals, perhaps in pots, near your front entrance;
* Re-sealing an asphalt driveway;
* Keeping your garage door closed;
* Storing RVs or old and beaten up teens' jalopies elsewhere while
the house is on the market; and
* Applying a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
Preparing
the Interior
Enhance your home’s interior by:
* Giving every
room in the house a thorough cleaning, as well as removing all clutter.
This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some
homeowners with crowded rooms have actually rented storage garages
and moved half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious
look.
* Hiring a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks while
the house is on the market. This may be a good investment for owners
who are busy elsewhere.
* Removing the less frequently used, even daily used items from
kitchen counters, closets, and attics, making these areas much more
inviting. Since you're anticipating a move anyhow, holding a garage
sale at this point is a great idea.
* If necessary, repainting dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls
with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same
neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
* Checking for cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic
and basement.
* Repairing cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper,
paint, and tiles.
* Replacing broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork.
* Inspecting and repairing the plumbing, heating , cooling, and
alarm systems.
* Repairing dripping faucets and showerheads.
* Buying showy new towels for the bathroom, to be brought out only
when prospective buyers are on the way.
* Sprucing up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by investing
in new cabinet knobs, new curtains, or a coat of neutral paint.
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to Selling a Home
