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The exterior creates the first impression but
it's the inside that is the most important to most buyers. Try to make your home
as appealing to as many types of people as possible.
For example a buyer can imagine white walls a
different color but can be turned off by colors that are too bold.
Cleaning
- Clean everything, in and out of sight.
- Shampoo rugs and wax floors.
- Wash or brush walls.
- Wash windows and clean blinds or draperies.
- Your home should be immaculate, beds made,
floors cleaned or vacuumed, windows spotless, shelves dusted and trash taken
out.
- Any repairs should be done, leaky faucets,
missing tiles, broken screens, etc.
- Freshly clean all linens, draperies and
shower curtains.
- If you are a smoker, clean any nicotine
stained items thoroughly and refrain from smoking in the home during the
period you have your home on the market.
- Clean the basement and garage.
Lighting
- Lighting and space are two things that can make or break a home's appeal. When
the house is being shown, turn on the lights when you leave, open all curtains
and shutters to let in as much light as possible but screen out unappealing
views.
- Replace any burned out light bulbs making sure the right
wattage bulbs are used.
Space
- Space is important, take a look
around your home. Create space by storing some of the extra furniture you've
found useful (bureaus, bookcases, storage chests, oversized chairs) but which
makes a crowded impression.
- Place the remaining furniture so that traffic
can flow easily from room to room.
- Take 50% of your closet contents and put them
away.
- Take everything off the kitchen counters.
- Clean out your garage. Buyers want to
envision themselves they are in clean and uncluttered open space.
- Weed out clutter in cabinets
- Unless you're a skilled artist, scale down
your personal art work (portraits, landscapes), posters, signs, and family
photos, especially in teenagers' rooms.
- Create a feeling of spaciousness.
- Keep normal walkways throughout the house
clear so buyers don't have to walk around items in the way.
Kitchens
- Kitchen: stove, refrigerator, sink should
be spotless and workspace clear.
- Clear counters, drawers and cabinets of
unnecessary items.
- Put away all dishes. Don't leave dishes
drying by the sink.
- Be conscious of odors caused by dampness,
hampers, garbage and various foods.
Bathrooms
- Re-caulk around tub, if you can do it
yourself properly. If not hire someone who can do it right.
- Clean tiles to sparkling shine.
- Clean soap dishes, mirrors, faucets and
appliances (inside and out).
- Store cleaning supplies and hang freshly
washed towels.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Keep living areas clean and inviting.
- Arrange furniture to allow a spacious
atmosphere.
- Make beds, arrange couch cushions, dust
shelves, vacuum carpets and touch-up walls with paint as necessary.
- Wallpaper should be clean and adhere
smoothly to the walls.
- Finishing touches such as flowers or
candles add to the home's house warming appeal
Garage or Workshop
- Remove all cars for showings.
- Items should be neatly stored in shelving
or wall units.
- Allow appropriate space for the home buyer
to visualize their vehicle or workbench.
- Consider moving excess or over-sized items
to mini-storage.
- Clean floor and if necessary repaint.
Windows and Doors
- Ensure that all doors and windows are in proper operating
condition, including replacing any broken glass or fogged window
panes.
- If your windows fall down, repair the control mechanisms or
install new ones.
- If your doors do not latch properly, repair them. Usually a
simple adjustment is all that is needed.
Odors
Eliminate offensive odors. Many people are sensitive to odors
and allergens. If your home smells like cigarettes, pet urine or musty mold, you
will immediately rule out a significant number of potential buyers. You may not
even realize your house has an odor if you have become accustomed to it. Ask
several non-smoking people if they sense any odors in your home. If so, find the
sources and eliminate them; do not attempt to cover them up. Masking odors is
rarely successful and may cause problems for you later. Odors from mold, sewer
gasses or pet urine will likely be reported as potential health and safety
defects.
Preparing the Exterior
Clearing
Clutter
Design
Ideas
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