Interior:
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| Clean out the clutter if you haven’t used it in a year.
Box up and store what you are keeping and get rid of the rest. (You
want buyers to visualize their belongings in your house). Organize
closets and storage neatly, making it feel bigger. |
| Paint interior walls light or neutral wall colors to
make the house feel bigger. Dark colors make a room smaller. |
| Thoroughly clean your house from top to bottom. Be sure
any strong, chemical odors are gone before a showing. Clean all carpets
professionally or replace them if they are looking too worn. Clean
all windows and put away screens for more visibility. |
| In the kitchen, clear clutter off of the counters (makes
kitchen look bigger); no dirty dishes anywhere; floor, oven and refrigerator
should be spotless; cabinets should be organized and looking fresh
(new hardware can update a cabinet with little expense); repair any
broken hinges, chipped counters, and update light fixtures. |
| Living room furniture should be grouped in small, comfortable
arrangements to create a warm environment; room should not be too
cluttered. Clean fireplace inside and out, add non-scented candles
to a mantel, and refinish hardwood floors if needed. Accent with a
new colorful throw or a few pillows and green plants. |
| Replace any light fixtures or other personal property
you are planning to take with you, such as a favorite antique mirror,
mom’s crystal chandelier or window treatments, before the house goes
on the market. Otherwise, it might cause a problem if buyer tours
home, sees them, expects them to stay, and they then disappear. All
fixtures (attached to the house) are not considered personal property;
they are real property being sold with the house. Replace or fix all
broken light fixtures, fans, hardware, window panes. Replace lights
with brighter bulbs if room is not that bright. Keep blinds open and
drapes pulled back for extra natural light when showing your home.
Also, turn on all the lights before showing. |
| Fresh flowers in any room are a great visual and can
add a nice, fresh scent. Sense of smell is very important. One bad
odor can turn a prospective buyer around and out of the house in a
real hurry. Playing soft classical or appropriate background music
can convey a warm, welcoming feeling. |
| Fresh paint, new towels and shower curtain can make
a world of difference in a bathroom. Replace toilet seat if worn,
keep top down and be sure toilet is flushed before showing. |
| Bedrooms should be uncluttered and clean, with beds
made (new bedding can make a big difference) and several lighting
sources. Mirrors can increase the sense of space in a small room. |
| Do not be present when you home is being shown. You
want the prospective buyer and their agent to feel comfortable about
critiquing the property without hurting anyone’s feelings. Take children
and dog for a walk, put cat in crate in garage or in your car. Lots
of people are allergic to cats. Turn off any appliance before you
go so extra noises are not an issue. |
| Exterior: |
| Pressure wash your house, deck, driveway, walkway and
front stoop. A fresh coat of paint will make a big difference. Remember
curb appeal. It only takes seconds for a potential buyer to say “I
like it” or “No thanks.” Trim hedges and trees and clean up all debris
in front and back yards. Plant colorful flowers to add curb appeal. |
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