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| Preparing Your Home for Sale |
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If your goal is to sell your home quickly, and for top dollar, you’ll want to
make sure you are presenting the best possible picture of the house, both inside
and out. This includes keeping up the yard, landscaping and other exterior focal
points, as well as maintaining a tidy household on the inside of your home.
It can be quite useful to try to see your home through the eyes of a potential
buyer. You want to "wow" them when they first view the home to hopefully
generate interest that can lead to your ultimate goal - the sale of your home!
Keep in mind that, in the real estate industry, first impressions do count. For instance, if your lawn is not manicured and bushes or trees are
overgrown, a buyer might determine that the rest of the house is just as unkept!
Try following the tips below to help maximize your home's value: |
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First impressions are key - create curb appeal!
- Keep your yard in tip-top shape by mowing, weeding, raking, etc. frequently.
Your yard is usually the first thing a potential buyer will see so this is your
"real" first impression.
- Keep trees, bushes, shrubs and the rest of your landscaping well maintained.
- Adding plants and flowers to your porch and walkway can add extra curb appeal to your home.
- Keep watering hoses and sprinklers organized and tidy.
- Test your doorbell to ensure it is in working order.
- Make sure your doormats, front and back, look presentable.
- Check the front door and screen door to ensure they work as expected and
are in "showable" condition. Fix any squeaks or sticky spots and make sure all
knobs, handles and locks are in working order.
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Let there be light!
- Make sure window coverings (curtains, blinds, drapes, etc.) are open so the
sun can shine in. Even if the sun isn't out your home will feel more open and
welcome.
- Clean all window coverings to remove dust, dirt and stains to make a
sparkling impression.
- Keep lights on during the day and night to maximize showing potential. Well
lit living space is much more impressive than dark, brooding corners.
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Keep it clean!
- Always try to keep your home in "showing" condition.
- If carpets are spotty, you should get them professionally cleaned. This
minimal cost can add dollars onto your final sale price.
- Dust and vacuum frequently.
- Pick up magazines, toys, blankets, etc. to remove all clutter from each
room. This will actually make your rooms look more spacious and adds a tidy
touch.
- Keep all beds made and organize closet space. Box up excess items if needed
and store.
- It's a good idea to have a plan in place to get your home into show
condition on a moments notice. Planning ahead and listing tasks (vacuuming,
taking out the garbage, dusting, etc.) by persons responsible can save both time
and headaches when your home is on the market.
- If it's been more than a year or two since you last painted your interior
walls you might consider spending a weekend to paint, which will have positive
impact on the sale of your home. Not only will rooms look bigger and brighter,
but potential buyers will consider fresh paint a plus, especially if you chose a
neutral color.
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Clean bathrooms are a must!
- Every bathroom should be kept spotless, with toilet lids down.
- Remove hair from sinks and drains, and wipe down the bath or shower after
each use.
- Remove any used towels and keep a fresh set out for presentation.
- Keep bathroom counters neat and clutter free.
- Fix leaky or dripping faucets, replace stained grout or caulk as well as any
missing or broken tiles.
- Empty bathroom trashcans regularly and make sure the trash receptacles
themselves are clean and odor free.
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Make your kitchen sparkle!
- Your home's kitchen should be kept especially clean. The kitchen is where
familes keep their food, prepare meals and more. Dirty floors, counters or
refrigerators can make a huge difference in a potential buyers mind.
- Keep kitchen floors spotless, with regular sweeping and mopping.
- Clean out your refrigerator, wipe down all doors and shelves, and freshen
it with a box of baking soda.
- Clean all stovetops, ranges and hoods, conventional and microwave ovens,
etc. Pay special attention to grease spatters on nearby walls or appliances to
really make your kitchen sparkle.
- Make extra counter space by removing unused appliances. Keeping only those
items you use on a regular basis on the counter will make your counters appear
more spacious.
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Don't forget the exterior, backyard and garage!
- Painting or staining the exterior of your home can add welcome dollars to
your end price.
- Clean leaves, branches, moss and debris from rooftops, chimneys and rain
gutters.
- Remove bicycles, rusty/stained/dingy patio furniture and other clutter in
the side or back yard. All junk items should be thrown away.
- Keep all porches, steps, decks, balconies, patios, etc. swept and tidy.
- Store all trashcans out of sight.
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Keller Williams Realty
11515 Burnham Drive N.W.
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Office: 253.851.4511 |
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