Get Your House Ready to Show to Buyers

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 well maintained, they assume that what they can't see has probably also been well maintained.

 

Maximizing Exterior and Curb Appeal

When preparing to put your home up for sale, don't forget your home's exterior. If the outside, or "curb appeal" looks good, people will more than likely want to see what's on the inside. Here are some tips to enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal to buyers: 

  • A potential buyers first impression is important - Be sure your front door has a "Welcome" feeling.  Apply a fresh coat of paint if needed.
  • Cut and edge lawn. Trim all shrubbery and remove low lying tree limbs. Add color to walkways and porches with seasonal plants.
  • Replace downed shutters, gutters and downspouts. Paint any trim that is peeling. Replace all torn screens.
  • Clean up grease or oil spots from the driveway. Clean patios and decks of all clutter. Consider painting or power washing the deck to make it look new again.
  • Remove all extra vehicles from the drive and garage for showing appointments. Remember to keep the garage door closed.
  • In winter, be sure snow and ice are removed from walkways.

Maximizing Interior Appeal

You want your home to look as spacious, bright and clean as possible. Also the home should look neutral – without a lot of your personal and sentimental objects - so buyers can begin to imagine living there. Here are some tips to enhance your home’s interior appeal to buyers:

  • Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter (excess furniture and knickknacks) to create a more spacious feel. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter.  Renting a storage unit may be the answer.
  • Clean walls and doors of smudges and scuff marks.
  • If needed, paint interior walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to worn carpets and vinyl flooring.
  • Polish floors and have carpets cleaned.
  • Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms: they should look as modern, bright and fresh as possible. It is essential for them to be clean and odor free.
  • Remove any small appliances from kitchen counters to expose maximum counter space.
  • Fix any dripping faucets. A drippy faucet may suggest faulty plumbing. Replace old caulking around the bathtubs.
  • Clean out closets. Neat, well-organized closets give the appearance of being larger and spacious.
  • Dark, dull basements look much brighter and cleaner with a fresh coat of paint on the walls and floor.
  • Clean garage of all unnecessary items.
  • Replace any burned out light bulbs throughout the home.
  • Update outdated light fixtures and ceiling fans.