One way to assure that your home sells quickly and for as much as possible, is to prepare it. First things first, clear out the clutter! If your house is so full that potential buyers can’t see it, they won’t want it. Moving time is always a good time to reassess your possessions, deciding what to throw away, give to charity or even sell in a yard sale. Once you’ve done that, clear your house out even more. Box up all your knickknacks and you might even consider putting some of your furniture into storage. Don’t just fill all your closets and storage areas with your boxed up things, as these are places a buyer wants to see too. If your new home is a blank slate, potential buyers can imagine themselves there and are far more likely to make an offer after viewing your home.
Once the house is clear, make sure it’s clean. Cleaning carpets and drapes improves the smell as well as the look of your home.
Bathrooms and kitchens are huge selling features, so get rid of any mildew, hang out fresh towels, consider installing an air-freshener and generally be sure rooms look their best.
Finally, make sure the first impressions are good ones. Does your yard need a clean up? Make sure doors work smoothly and door frames are not cracked. Small repairs are worthwhile when your home is going up for sale. Also, if it’s been a few years since your home’s exterior was painted and things look faded and scuffed, the investment of a fresh paint job is almost guaranteed to come back to you in the final sale price of your home. If it looks old, buyers will offer you less than they will for a fresh tidy home.
