Getting Your House Ready To Sell
The Interior
Inside, everything should be spotless.
Spending $100 to have someone do heavy "spring cleaning" if needed can bring a return many times over in the sales price and time on the market.
A fresh coat of light colored paint on the walls is always recommended.
Painting only the trim and the doors will add a lot.
Check to see that all doors open and close freely. Oil any squeaky doors.
Replace any burned out light bulbs. Brighter lights enhance many rooms.
Steam clean the carpets if new carpeting is not possible and to help eliminate any pet odors. Wash and wax linolium floors. Repair or replace damaged or missing tiles.
Bathrooms should sparkle. Remove soap scum and mildew. Replace old looking toilet seats. Kitchens should be clean and bright. Clean oven and stove top. Exhaust fans should be free of grease and dust. Clear all unnecessary objects from the countertops.
Keep curtains and blinds open and interior lights on for a bright warm cozy feeling.
Store stuff and clutter under beds, not in closets.
Focus Rooms
Buyers react most strongly to kitchens, bathrooms and closets, so it pays to concentrate your efforts here.
Sometimes just switching door handles, knobs, and light switch plates is a dramatic improvement. Replacing new shower curtains and sink faucets can pay off.
Tip
Preview the competition's open houses to see what you are up against in both pricing
and condition. Potential buyers will be previewing these and more.
In General
Try to look at your house "through the buyer's eyes" as though you've never seen it before.
Lockbox is #1 Importance. "If we don't have it, agents won't show it.
Agent Spotlight
Lindsay DuBois-Kraus
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
845-687-2200