Preparing Your Home to Sell

More than ever, in this Buyer’s Market your home needs to show better than ever. It WILL make the difference between a sale and it sitting on the market for months on end. Buyers have selection and expectations of what the homes should look like when viewing.

When presenting your home to prospective buyers, FIRST IMPRESSIONS are crucial. Buyers begin judging your home the moment they see it, and generally they prefer homes that are WELL-MAINTENED, CLEAN and CLUTTER FREE -- homes they can picture themselves living in. That is why home improvements -- particularly if they address the anticipated needs of buyers -- can BOOST your home’s SALEABILITY and SALE PRICE.

Here are a few proven, cost-effective tips that will help your home look its best:

EXTERIOR
Mow and rake the lawn, trim hedges, weed and edge gardens
Sweep sidewalks and driveway, pick up any litter
Repair gutters and eaves, touch up exterior paint
Plant extra flowers for color, or place potted plants beside the front door
Clean or paint front door, polish front door hardware, ensure doorbell works

INTERIOR
Clean and tidy the entrance, clear stairs and halls, store all excess furniture
Brighten interiors with fresh, light-toned paint
Brighten rooms by installing high wattage light bulbs and turning them on
Shampoo carpets, clean and wax floors
Organize kitchen countertops -- removing appliances if necessary -- to make them look spacious
Clean kitchen countertops, cabinets, appliances, washer and dryer
Organize and clean out closets to make them look larger
Clean and freshen bathrooms, put out clean towels, minimize clutter
Clean mirrors and windows so they sparkle
Organize and clean garage and basement
Perform necessary minor repairs and touch-ups to walls, windows, fixtures, etc.

TIPS FOR SHOWINGS AND OPEN HOUSES
• Be absent so buyers feel more comfortable making comments
• Light the fireplace, open the drapes, play quiet background music
• Keep pets outdoors
• Tidy up: no dishes in sinks, clothes or toys on floors, beds made
• Keep bathrooms clean

Tamara is the expert in knowing what needs to be done. Part of the Tamara Pilipchuk Marketing Plan is a consultation with a Certified Home Stager who will come into your home and work with you to get the house ready for sale.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Tamara knows what today’s buyers are looking for and can provide more ideas that will maximize your home’s appeal. Remember, a few easy and inexpensive improvements can produce big returns on your investment.