“You Never Get A Second Chance to Make A Good First Impression.”
Start with the first thing that buyers see, the outside. Make sure your lawn is trimmed, sidewalks are edged and clean, landscaping is weed free and maintained. Clean the windows and exterior of dirt and any mildew staining. Clean and rinse gutters. Always make sure the front door is clean and freshly painted. A seasonal wreath adds a warm and welcoming touch. The entry, or foyer should have an area where shoes can be removed, or a place to sit so shoe covers can be used.
Clean, clean, and clean some more!
A clean kitchen is a must. Make sure appliances, counters, and sink are sparking clean and there are no food odors. Go through your cupboards and get rid of anything you will not be moving to your new home with you, and organize remaining items into an orderly manner.
Sparkling bathrooms are also a must. Tubs, shower doors, ceramic tile, grouting, toilets, sinks and floors should be clean and fresh. Polish fixtures and repair or replace any unsightly caulking.
Remove clutter from your home. Now is the perfect time to go through your home and get rid of anything you are not moving to your next home with you. Remove excess furniture and other items that you rarely use. Keep toys, papers, and other items picked up. Clean your closets and remove items, if necessary, to show that there is plenty of storage space.
Decorating helps when you are seeking top dollar. Less is more, and attractively painted walls and trim in neutral colors add appeal to your home. Staging or redesign will also enhance the qualities and attractiveness of your home.
Take care of any maintenance issues, down to the little details. Clean furnace and A/C unit, and change filters. Clean exterior of water softeners, water heater, and other mechanicals and appliances. Tighten loose hardware including door knobs, replace torn or damaged screens, fix leaking faucets, and remove cobwebs from corners and basements.
Now, picture your house through the eyes of a potential buyer. Start in the street, up the driveway, and enter through the front door. Think like a potential buyer. Be critical. Look for issues that they might have. Doing this will give you an edge over the other houses and help you sell your home for the most money when it comes to contract negotiation.
You are ready for showings! Make sure your home is easy to show, and strive to accommodate showing requests. Open your curtains to allow prospective buyers to see your home in the natural light. Open all bedroom doors, neutralize any odors, and always leave during showings to allow the prospective buyer the time and freedom to see your home at their leisure.