Preparing your home for sale

Did you know that most home buyers decide on buying a home within the first 30 seconds of a showing? That may sound impossible but it's true. First impressions are everything when selling your home.

Curb appeal is the first chance you have to make a good impression. I can't stress enough that the property must look fresh and clean. A quick landscaping clean up, some power washing and a little touch up paint can actually make the difference between a drive by and an appointment to view your home.

Next is the entry. Make sure that the home is inviting and neutral. Imagine if it were a bed and breakfast. If you have a porch, stage it with a small sitting area. Keep it swept and clean.

Once inside, and I can't stress this enough, cleanliness is paramount. It's worth the investment to give the house a deep cleaning. You will have to clean behind everything when you move anyhow so why not do it now so that your home shows well. Make sure all windows are clean, everything is dusted and the floors have been mopped. This is also a great time to de-clutter. Pack personal pictures and items you don't need. Leave a few decorative pieces but when getting your home ready to sell, less is more. Even though the buyer isn't buying your belongings, they take attention away from the home itself. When it comes to selling your home, less is more. Personal pictures everywhere make it harder for an owner to envision themselves living in the home.

Also, it's a good idea to thin out your closets. Pack up everything you won't need until you are in your new home. Rent a storage unit and pack everything there. Anything you have stored away, take it to the storage area. Boxes of things make the house look like you ran out of storage room. When it comes to your closets, a good rule of thumb is put half of everything into storage. Closets and cabinets should look like there is someone living there but there is ample extra room. Empty out your attic or shed of anything you won't need and put those into storage as well. Showcase the amount of free storage not the amount of stuff you can't fit in the house. While you're at it, do the same in the kitchen. If you don't need that giant roasting pan, serving tray and bread maker. put them into storage. No dirty dishes in the sink, ever! Keep the counters as clear as possible. You want to showcase how much counter space you have, not the 13 appliances you own.

Keep the bathrooms pristine. The more it looks like a fresh hotel bathroom, the better. When you check into a hotel, do you check out the bathroom right away? Subconsciously, we look at the bathroom and if it's clean, we think of the whole room as clean. The same is true of your home. Make the beds and keep the bedrooms tidy. Again, if you have too much furniture, put some in storage. Let the buyers see the home, not the furnishings.

Lastly, make sure the house has no bad odors. Air fresheners are a sign that you are hiding something. Just keep the house clean and it will smell great. If you have carpets, a neutral Febreeze will freshen it up a bit. Don't put any food waste in the inside trash. Take it outside to keep odors away.

To find out more about marketing your home, call me at 305-849-1427 and I will make suggestions to sell your home quickly and at the best price.

Neil