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Selling Your Home: Tips from the experts

Now that you’ve decided to sell your home, you want to make your property the most appealing you can. You want all potential customers to come in and say “WOW”, and “I LOVE IT”, and “WHAT A GREAT HOME”. There are ways to help with this, and I’ve listed some of them below.

The more time and effort you put in the presentation of your home, the more value it will have. Some of the tips listed below are very easy and economical, while others may take more effort and some cost. You may have to weigh which will work best for your situation. If you are not sure, ask your agent and they will help you in this matter.

The first impression a potential customer has on a property is a lasting one. As they pull up to your property, the “Curb Appeal”, can be the difference between inquiring further or leaving without hesitation. Helpful hints on making your property pleasing to potential customers are as follows:

1. Scrape and paint where needed.
   
2. Replace any missing roofing or siding.
   
3. Mow and edge lawns, replace or trim shrubs that are old or dead, and plant flowers.
   
4. Rake yard and pick up branches and other debris.
   
5. Clean gutters.
   
6. Make repairs on fences, decks, or any other outside items.
   
7. Keep yard free from any clutter such as toys and bikes.
   
8. Powerwash house and driveway.
   
9. Any wood items such as decks, house, or railings should be powerwashed and stained.
   
10. Make sure garbage and recycling cans are clean and not in sight.

Once you have taken care of the outside of the house, the customers will see a well-groomed property and be ready to look inside. The interior of your home must be clean, neat, and clutter free. Keep in mind; a little effort goes a long way. Here are some suggestions on helping your home look its best:

1. Clean every room.
   
2. Put the highest wattage light bulbs the fixture will allow to make the rooms
   Rooms look brighter.
   
3. Turn on all lights and leave all blinds and curtains open during a showing.
   
4. Oil squeaky doors and make sure all knobs are tightened.
   
5. Make beds everyday.
   
6. Try to remove as many pictures, collectables, or other personal items from view. You want the customer to be able to visualize their personal items in the home.
   
7. Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
   
8. Fill in any holes in walls that previously had pictures.
   
9. Repair nail pops or settlement cracks in walls.
   
10. Touch up paint marks or scuff marks on walls or floors.
    
11. Have you carpet professionally cleaned or rent a carpet cleaner.
    
12. No clutter anywhere.
    
13. Vacuum before a showing.
    
14. Make closets and drawers look spacious by packing away unnecessary items.
    
15. Remove anything outdated.
    
16. Clean fireplace.
    
17. Make Garage as clean and organized as possible.
    
18. Take out unnecessary furniture to make the rooms look larger.
    
19. Think about installing close organizers.

Kitchen:

1. Keep it Clean, Clean, and Clean.
   
2. Remove everything possible from the counter tops to make it look like there is more room. Clutter turns customers off.
   
3. Take all magnets and pictures from the refrigerator.
   
4. Clean out all of your cabinets and drawers to make customers believe there is more room. Customers will go in cabinets, so don’t think you can just throw everything out of sight.
   
5. Shine all appliances.
   
6. Make the room smell welcoming with candles, potpourri, cooking an inviting dish, using a few drops of vanilla extract on a light bulb, or air freshener.

Bathrooms:

1. Keep them Clean, Clean, and Clean.
   
2. Repair any loose or cracked tiles.
   
3. Shine all fixtures.
   
4. Repair any leaks.
   
5. Make sure all fans and fixtures work properly.
   
6. Leave the shower curtain open. This makes the room look larger.

It may seem like a lot, but these helpful hints can make your home a more desirable place for potential customers.

Potential buyers do not feel as comfortable discussing your home openly and honestly if the owners are present during showings. They may feel that they are intruding on you and not stay as long as they might need to get a good feeling for your property. If possible, please leave during a showing. If you cannot leave, go for a walk or visit a neighbor. If that is impossible, stay out of site. Real Estate agents are professional sales agents and know how to sell. This is what they get paid for.