When you list your home for sale the last thing you want is for it to sit on the market for a year and then end up taking a lower offer than you had hoped. Here is some advice on how to get your home to sell faster for closer to list price!
1. De-clutter. Remove and pack away any clutter in your home. You can store it in the garage or rent a storage unit for a short period if needed. Too many knick-knacks or toys can be distracting to buyers.
2. De-personalize. Take down any excessive amounts of personal items or pictures that would potentially distract buyers from the real reason they are there...to look at your home, not your stuff! Also, neutralize any wild paint colors.
3. Deep Clean. Take extra time to wipe down all surfaces, especially the ones that are used the most, like light switches, doors and door knobs. Dust the ceiling fans and blinds and wash the windows. If this task seems daunting, I'd be happy to refer you to a trusted professional.
4. Curb Appeal. During the winter, make sure your driveway is plowed, your sidewalks are shoveled and the surfaces are free of ice. In the summer, make sure your lawn is cut and trimmed. Look at your home with a buyers eye, next time you drive up to your house look at the details. Make your front door appealing by freshening up the paint, add new house numbers, or a new light fixture to welcome buyers.
5. Repair. Fix any nagging repairs that need to be done. Broken door knobs or leaky faucets can lead buyers to think that the home was not well cared for. Repair any holes in the walls and touch up paint.
6. Animals. This is a tough subject for many because pets are like family. If you have pets, make sure they are either kenneled for showings, taken with you or to a neighbors. Pick up any doggy doo-doo in your yard, make sure litter boxes are fresh and animal hair is vacuumed.
7. Sparkle. Make your home sparkle and shine! Use light bulbs that make your home feel warm and inviting. If your bulbs take too long to get bright consider replacing them. Get rid of any unwanted odors. Studies show that most people cannot smell odors in their own home. My tip is to go outside for a while then enter your home with a fresh nose to see if you can detect any odors. Use an air freshener but don't over freshen! There is such a thing as too much of a good thing!
These tips in conjunction with pricing your home correctly by getting a Comparable Market Analysis from your favorite Realtor will help you obtain the best price in the shortest amount of time!
