Ten Tips for a Fast Home Sale
1. Jazz Up the Front Entrance.
A coat of paint and a new brass kick plate or doorknocker makes
a welcoming impression. Remove any personalized doorknockers or
signs from the front of the home. Remember to trim bushes and
shrubs and keep walkways clear. A blooming plant or festive
wreath is a nice touch.
2. Organize the Kitchen.
Kitchens sell homes--make yours appear more large and inviting!
Clean off counters and organize cupboards and drawers. Store or
pack seldom used appliances and large pans. Consider replacing
the counter if it is worn or has an unusual color. Repair or
replace leaky kitchen faucets and dated florescent light
fixtures.
3. Reduce Clutter Inside and Out.
Sort out E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G! Throw away anything you do not
need and organize the rest. Too much stuff? Consider an off-site
storage facility during the move. Donate unwanted items to a
local charity. Campers, boats and old cars should be parked at a
different location.
4. Clean.
Your home should be spotless and smell clean too! Remember to
give attention to the yard and garage too. Buyers want to see
the size of your garage not where you dumped all the stuff from
the house. If you have a dog, make certain that the yard has
been picked up before every showing and it is completely free of
debris.
5. Paint.
Light neutral colors make small rooms appear larger. That cute
personalization you painstakingly painted on your child's wall
is a paint-over project to a new buyer. Do them a favor and
paint over before the first showing. Remove dated wallpaper and
borders and paint walls. Use premium quality paint and remember
to patch holes properly and tape woodwork prior to starting. A
sloppy paint job can be more detrimental to your bottom line
than no paint job at all.
6. Update Bath.
If cleaning and painting cannot help a dingy bath, consider
replacing vanity, counter and sink. Look at the faucets and
light fixtures. If they are vintage, consider replacing. Also
consider installing new flooring or buy nice plush floor mats to
make the bathroom cozy. If the tub is nasty and stained, look
into having it resurfaced.
7. Make Minor Repairs.
Tighten knobs, fix leaky faucets, oil squeaking hinges, replace
dirty filters, repair cracked windows and holes in screens. If
it can be fixed, fix it! Buyers do not pay top dollar for a
"project house".
8. Fix Roof Leaks.
One tiny water stain on the ceiling will cause a buyer to
question the entire roof. Find and fix the leak at the source.
This may be the time to call in an expert. Repair any ceiling
damage. Disclose any information on repairs made to potential
buyers.
9. Explain a Wet Basement.
Do what you can to make repairs but be prepared to explain all
existing and repaired problems to the potential buyers. Never
try to cover signs of a wet basement.
10. Exterminate.
Call a professional to get rid of the pests, repair any damage,
and allow time for any pesticide smells to dissipate before
showing. One bug, dead or alive, can make a bad impression on a
buyer. If you have periodic mice, remove the traps and bait
before showings. Again, disclose any pest infestations to
potential buyers before the sale.
Copyright 2006 Teri Eckholm