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SELLER


Quick Fixes for Best Sales Price

Home buyers are critical...as well they should be, they are about to make a large investment. That's why it is essential to look at your home with a critical eye. Things in your home that you have gotten used to may be a negative in the buyer's eyes.

For example, your front door has developed a squeaking sound as you open it. To you, it probably developed slowly, and you don't take much notice of it. To a buyer, it could be a sign of deferred maintenance that puts them on guard to other issues.

Read on to find out more. Of course, if you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact us.

Paint

A fresh coat of neutral paint is like real estate magic. It smells new, looks bright and fresh, and - to the buyer's mind - is one less thing that they will have to do.

Pay close attention to entrances because that's where first impressions will occur. Hand prints, scrapes and chips around doorways are particularly noticeable.

If you decide that some paint is in order, be sure to pick a light, universally appealing color.

Tighten Up, Oil Up

Check all your handrails, doorknobs, switch plates, cupboard pulls and handles. It's quick and easy to do. Check all hinges for squeaks and sticks, doors and drawer that open smoothly do not call attention to themselves.

Lighting

Double check that all light bulbs are in working order. Make sure all switches work like they should. Use the highest watt bulb that you fixtures will allow. Clean windows inside and out to make the most of natural light. Many buyers are influenced by a bright, cheerful interior.

Flooring

Consider having your carpets cleaned - or replaced in problem areas. Make sure the edges of the carpet are not frayed. Check out thresholds to make sure they look neat and tidy. Check out grout in ceramic tile and seams in vinyl floored areas.

Clean up, Clear out

You're going to be moving eventually. Why not pack up extra clothes, linens, dishes and books? It's a good rule of thumb to clean out half of what is any given closet. As uncomfortable as it sounds, buyers will look in your closets. An organized, thinned down appearance will make your closets look more spacious. Besides, you'll have already gotten a head start on packing so your job will be easier later.

If you have items you don't plan to take to your next home, this is the time to sell them or donate them to your favorite charity. Many organizations are willing to pick up items that have been properly packaged or prepared.

Appliances

You're probably going to include at least some of your appliances with the sale of your home. Make sure they are showing ready as well. Give them a thorough detail job so they look as well-kept and appealing as possible. In the case of refrigerators, make sure they are well organized and cleared out. Stovetops may need new drip pans.

Depersonalize

It's easier for a buyer to visualize themselves in your home if they don't see you in it. Clear the refrigerator of magnets, photos and papers. Thin out a large framed photo collection. Swap out fixtures or items that you do not intend to include with the sale of your home.

Staging

Part of helping a buyer visualize themselves in your home is the process of staging. For example, keep the dining room table set as if you were preparing for an elegant dinner party. It suggests to the buyer how nice it would be to entertain in their new home. Situate a comfortable chair next to the fireplace with a reading lamp, the buyer will be able to imagine sitting curling up next to a crackling fire with their favorite book. Focus on the positive features of your home and imagine how model homes are staged by builders. Of course, there are companies that specialize in staging that you may choose to employ.

The items mentioned above are certainly not an exhaustive list of issues. If you're considering selling, we would love an opportunity to earn your trust and your business. Part of our presentation involves an evaluation of what small changes you could make to improve your home's showability. Give us a call, or send us an email.