Getting the house ready
When you prepare to put your home on the market, remember this rule of thumb: If what the buyer can see looks well cared for, he or she will generally assume what they can’t see has also been well cared for.
Making that happen is a simple matter of three steps:- Deciding how much to spend..
- Getting the most out of the exterior of the home..
- Getting the most out of the interior of the home.
If you’re trying to decide how much to spend to get the house ready, don’t overdo it. Making a few minor improvements, such as a coat of paint or a new light fixture, is better than making a major revision, such as remodeling the bathrooms. If you hire a real estate agent, seek advice regarding specific improvements.
A few areas to consider when working on the exterior of the home:- Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly.
- Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds and prune trees regularly.
- Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.
- Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint.
- Clean and align gutters.
- Inspect and clean the chimney.
- Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
- If the home is on the market during the winter, keep sidewalks cleared of snow and ice.
- During the spring and summer, consider adding several appealing potted plans, preferably near the front entrance.
- Keep the garage door closed.
- Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
- Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. This will make the house seem larger and brighter.
- Hire a professional cleaning service once every two or three weeks while the home is on the market.
- Remove less frequently used items from kitchen counters, cabinets, closets and the attic.
- If required, repaint walls a neutral color such as off-white or beige. Also consider replacing worn carpet or linoleum with a neutral color.
- Check for cracks, leaks or signs of dampness in the attic and basement.
- Replace broken or cracked windowpanes.
- Inspect and replace, if necessary, heating, cooling, plumbing and alarm systems.
- Replace dripping faucets and showerheads.
- One thing to always try to remember is to look at the home from the buyer’s point of view. Remain objective and be honest with yourself.
- Keep countertops cleared.
- Replace all burned out light bulbs.
- Open all drapes and window blinds.
- Put pets in cages or take them to a neighbor.
- Make sure there are no dirty dishes in the sink.
- Make sure there’s no laundry in the washer/dryer.
- Clean/replace dirt or worn carpets.
- Put on soft music.
- Burn wood in the fireplace on cold days; otherwise, the fireplace should be clean.
