Preparing Your Home for Sale

With a little effort on your part, your home can be sold more quickly and at a better price. The following tips have proven invaluable to owners and are worth your special attention:

First impressions are lasting! The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it appears fresh and clean. Paint the trim, if necessary.

Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse. Reseed and fertilize the lawn, if necessary. Weed the gardens, and add mulch. Deep green grass makes a lasting impression. In winter, be sure snow and ice is removed from walks and steps.

Decorate for a quick sale. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospects how your home could look, when you can show them by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. An investment in neutral new kitchen paint will pay dividends.

Let the sun shine in. Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be(dark rooms are not appealing).

Do the windows and window screens work well and look good? Are the windows spotless.
Are the appliances sparkling clean and operating properly?

Fix the faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.

Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed.

From top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull basements by painting walls and adding brighter light fixtures.

Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
Pack excess linens and clothing to make closets look bigger. Neat, well-ordered closets show the space is ample.

Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair grout in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle. Don’t let the Handy Man add gobs of caulking when grout is what you need.

Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and fresh looking window coverings.

-Karen Jolley