Get Rid of Clutter
Excessive furniture and knick-knacks distract potential buyers and make your
home appear smaller. Clean surfaces in kitchen counters, kitchen islands and
table tops are the best bet. Don't forget to organize your closets and cabinets,
potential buyers will definitely be checking these areas.
Don't Forget the Outside
Drive-up "curb" appeal is critical. If your home is appealing from
the street it will make a positive first impression. If your home is in need
of painting, be sure that is taken care of prior to selling. Keep your lawn
mowed and weed free. Maintain shrubbery and seasonal color.
Don't Jump the Gun
Don't put your home on the market until it looks it's best. There is usually
a flurry of activity for newly listed homes so you want the best impression.
And you may not get a second chance to make that first impression.
Set the Mood
Turn on lights, open blinds. Let you realtor be your guide to any home fragrances
or background music. Be sure to make plans to be out of your home when potential
buyers arrive. Most buyers are very self-conscious about being in someone
else's home and prefer to discuss details only with the realtor.
When your are selling, some home improvements are worth the expense, some
not. But here are some you cannot afford to skip and will these will undoubtedly
be spotted in the home inspection.
Water Leaks
A stain on your ceiling, toilets that rock, that white powdery stuff that
grows on your bricks or foundation or a musty smell in your house. Leaks can
lead to rot, mold and termite infestations and will be noticed.
Flickering Lights
Do your lights dim when the fridge switches on or when you start the microwave?
You may have bad wiring or too many appliances hooked to one circuit.
High Fuel Bills
If you are paying more to heat your home and there has not been a rate increase,
your furnace may be the culprit. Poorly functioning systems may cause a carbon
monoxide buildup in your home.
Peeling Paint
Paint is the first line of defense against incursions by water and pests.
Water that seeps into wood can rot or get too dry and crack. Discuss with
your agent whether repainting is necessary.
Smokey Chimney
Your chimney needs to be maintained to prevent the possibility of fires. A
buildup of Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, can build up in the flue
and ignite.
Dirty or Missing Air Conditioner Filter
Overloaded or missing filters allow dirt and dust to settle on air conditioner's
coils. Warm air passing over the coils causes condensation. What you get is
mud - a perfect medium for mold to grow and be blown all over the house. Enough
gunk can block air from getting into the system and causing it to catch fire.
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