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Prepare Well to Sell |
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Thorough preparation is essential for a speedy, successful home sale. To assist potential sellers who are uneasy about this preliminary process, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International provides some practical guidance about how and where to begin.
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Curb appeal – or lack thereof – significantly influences buyers’ first impressions, so the front yard is a great place to focus your initial efforts. Start by adding seasonal color to your flowerbeds, trimming trees, cleaning windows and freshening paint. These minor tasks often bring major payoffs.
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Improvements to your home’s interior spaces, such as steam cleaning carpets and purchasing a few new appliances, indicate a lovingly maintained residence. By making sure each room looks crisp and well kept, you reassure buyers that they will have a smooth move-in that won’t require extra work.
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Sellers are also wise to stage their homes, which involves de-cluttering, de-personalizing, rearranging and/or redecorating. Rooms often need to be presented much differently than how the owners live so that prospective buyers can visualize their own belongings in the space. Agents typically advise that “less is always more,” so sellers may want to consider renting a storage unit while waiting for a buyer to bite.
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When it’s time for a showing, be sure that pets are put away securely and have your agent light some softly-scented candles. Avoid vanilla, however – polls indicate that it is the least favorable smell.
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Before putting your home on the market, use this simple checklist to help secure a speedy, top dollar sale.
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INTERIOR:
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As you clean each room, remove clutter and excessive furniture. This will help spaces appear bigger and brighter and give prospective buyers a “blank canvas” to imagine their belongings in your home. Ideally, rather than placing these extra items in the garage or attic, take them to a storage unit or off-site location.
Deep clean every bathroom. Dirt and stains – especially grimy grout – generate a negative feeling that will surely stick with prospective buyers as they view the home. Purchase new towels, soap, mats, shower curtains and/or appointments to add a fresh feel.
Shampoo and vacuum the carpets, which will help eliminate unwanted odors (pets, smoke, etc.). Because it is difficult to detect scents in your own home, ask for a second opinion from a friend or agent.
Hire a professional cleaning service every couple of weeks while the house is on the market.
Clean molding, windows and blinds and press the drapes or curtains.
If you have an abundance of wallpaper, remove it. Repaint soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade, and apply the same colors to carpets and flooring. Again, this helps prospective buyers envision their belongings in your home.
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EXTERIOR:
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Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly. Trim hedges and prune trees to create a meticulously maintained appearance.
Add seasonal flowers to your flowerbeds, or pots near your front entrance. If you’re selling near the holidays, add a touch of décor without being excessive.
“Growing” gutters are a definite put-off, so be sure to unclog gutters and downspouts. If necessary, invest in updates.
Make sure light fixtures are operating properly, and know that prospective buyers will likely drive-by and view your home during the evening hours.
Replace any screens that have holes or fraying, and inspect doors and windows for peeling paint.
Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.
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WHEN SHOWING YOUR HOME:
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Keep pets out of the way. Allergic reactions, dog phobia, incessant barking – no need to give guests an entirely avoidable reason to leave!
Open curtains before prospective buyers arrive, and light some softly-scented candles. Avoid vanilla – polls indicate that it is the least favorable smell.
Keep your home set at a comfortable temperature.
Quietly play soothing music throughout the house
Leave while a prospective buyer is viewing the home – it will help them feel more relaxed and allow them to talk openly about what they see
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For personal assistance, contact a Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realtor at (214) 350-0400.
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For additional information, see briggsfreeman.com,
ranked #1 Brokerage website in Texas, #3 in the nation.
Also visit updatedallas.org for the latest in real estate news. |
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