Getting Your House Ready For Sale

In preparing to put your house for sale, you want to get the biggest bang for your buck. Finishings and touchups will usually give you a better return on your investment than major renovations. While a new roof or kitchen remodel may be notable, many potential buyers will get caught up on little things, such as landscaping.

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Exterior and Curb Appeal

Strong curb appeal can go a long way when trying to sell your house. The following is a list of repairs/maintenance to consider:
  • Exterior of House:
    • Check the foundation, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.
    • Inspect doors and windows for defects that may need to be repaired.
    • Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door and new hardware, if necessary.
    • Repair, replace, and/or repaint any loose or damaged roof shingles, stucco/siding/etc. and caulking.
    • Pressure wash and re-seal driveway.
    • Clean and repair gutters and fence (if applicable).
    • Remove boats, RV’s and unused cars.
  • Landscaping:
    • Keep your lawn well maintained (edged, cut and watered) on a weekly basis while your house is on the market.
    • Maintain your curb appeal as well by keeping hedges trimmed, weeding flowerbeds and lawn, and pruning the trees in both the front and back of your house.

Interior

Potential buyers must be able to see themselves living in this house. A few simple changes and touchups will translate into a positive impression and have the potential for a higher offer. The following is a list of tips to consider:
  • Thoroughly clean every nook and cranny of your house and remove all clutter.
    • Have it professional cleaned, and keep it that clean every day.
    • Hold any moving sales before you put your house on the market.
    • Consider renting off-site storage for extra/unused belongings while your house is on the market. Stuffing the garage to the rafters will only give buyers the impression that the house is too small for the average family.
  • Repair cracks, leaks/signs of dampness, holes or any other damage throughout the house (walls/plaster, wallpaper, paint, appliances, fixtures, moldings/other woodwork, and flooring/carpet/tiles).
  • Consider painting dirty/filthy or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as beige or off-white. Neutral colors make rooms appear larger and help prospective buyers picture their own belongings in your house. Paint the ceiling and trim white for a sharp and clean contrast.
  • Inspect and repair your electric, plumbing, heating, cooling and/or alarm systems.
  • If your kitchen needs major updating, give it a mini-makeover with small changes like new cabinet hardware

Need more tips on getting your home ready for sale? Please contact us to get started.