Words Of Wisdom – Advice for Sellers

April 30, 2015
Curb Appeal
Buyers will judge from the outside of a home whether or not they want to go inside.  Pressure wash dirty siding & grimy decks.  Kill mold & mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof & driveway.  Remove unneeded garden tools.  Clean the windows & gutters.  Keep the sidewalks clean and clutter free & maintain the yard, with regular mowing and weed pulling.  Trim any trees that may be touching or close to touching your roof.   If your budget allows, a fresh coat of paint does wonders to enhance a homes curb appeal.
The Basics
Clean everything from top to bottom, not forgetting your oven & major appliances.  Make sure your windows shine & are free of dirt.  Kill any offensive odors right away, this is a major turn off to buyers and may result in them leaving without viewing the entire home.  I would recommend clearing out as much furniture & toys as you can spare to achieve the feeling of more square footage, as well as removing any unneeded clutter.  Do any touch up paint required both inside and out.  Replace and old light bulbs with high volt light bulbs to make rooms appear brighter.
First Impressions Are Lasting
Buyers typically know within 30 seconds of walking into a house if it is going to fit their needs.  Make your entry as appealing as possible.  The front door greets the prospective buyer. Ensure it is freshly painted & clean.  Upgrade old doorknobs & hardware.
Decorate for a Quick Sale
Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look when you can show him by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. An investment in a new kitchen and wallpaper will pay dividends, and you can’t find a better investment, when you’re selling a house, than (a little putty) a few cans of paint to brighten up its interior.
Let the Sun Shine In
Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be.  Dark rooms are not appealing!
Fix That Faucet
Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
Repairs Can Make a Big Difference
Loose knobs, sticking and squeaking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, and other minor flaws detract from a home’s value. Have them fixed. Many buyers believe there are 10 problems they haven’t noticed for everyone they do see.
From Top To Bottom
Display the full value of your attic and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles.  Short term, off-site storage areas are relatively inexpensive.
Safety First
Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
Make Closets Look Bigger
Neat, well-ordered closets show that space is ample.  A little money spent on closet organizers reaps large returns.
Bathrooms Help Sell Homes
Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle!
Arrange Bedrooms Neatly
Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
Harmonize the Elements
FM radio or stereo on softly. TV off. All lights on, day or night. Drapes open in the daytime, closed at night, If it’s hot, cool it; if it’s cold, light a fire.
You Can Sell Pride of Ownership Faster and For More Money
It’s called cleanliness, and cleanliness has more buyers than used dirt. Put sparkle in your bathrooms and kitchen, and you’ll take lots more silver out.

LET YOUR HOME “SMILE A WELCOME” TO POTENTIAL BUYERS

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