Preparing Your House to Sell

Preparing your home to go on the market will put you ahead of the competition. Here are some tips for getting ready to sell:

1. Know how much you want to spend- Make touch ups and polishes to your home instead of big changes. Make repairs that have needed to be done, and keep in mind the money you will be getting back during the sale for the changes. If it's not something you will see your money back for during a sale, consider holding off. Keep any planned changes to the house reasonable and in character with the home and the neighborhood.

2. Update your kitchen- If your cabinets are looking a little worn, consider simple updates, like changing the hardware or lighting. Try a fresh coat of paint in buyer friendly neutral colors to cabinets that haven't been painted in years. Often, sprucing up the cabinets can give the kitchen an entirely new look.

3. Clean it up- Break out your cleaning supplies and give the house a good cleaning. Buyers will be coming through with a careful eye, so prepare your house to be criticized. Make sure windows are clear and letting all the light possible into your home. Check baseboards for scuffs, clean carpets, make sure kitchens are free of any food spills or stains, and make sure bathrooms are sparkling and smelling great.

4. Check your lawn- This will be the buyer's first impression of your home, so help your sale by making sure it's a good one. Keep the lawn tidy and gardens weeded. If it's winter, make sure paths are shoveled and stairs are free of ice.

5. Remove clutter- buyers are trying to picture themselves in the space, so give them a hand by making the space free of distractions. Make sure shelves, closets, counter tops, and any storage spaces like attics and basements are cleared away. Buyers will be able to picture themselves in your home, and it will appear spacious as well.

6. Maximize small spaces- Mirrors in small spaces often have the effect of making them look and feel bigger. Add to this by bringing in bright light, either naturally or with a space appropriate light fixture.

7. Take an emotion free look at your paint- Buyers like to see neutral colors that they can picture their furniture with. Make sure you are not turning away buyers with an easy fix like a fresh coat of a new paint color. Neutral wall colors like white and beige offer a blank template where buyers can quickly assess how they will make it their own.

8. Laundry space- clear this space of built up lint and any chemical spills. Keep it clear of piles of clothes, and keep it as orderly as possible.

9. Satisfy the Senses- We make decisions based on our sensory perceptions and when shopping for homes this is especially true. Sight, sound, and smell are all important variables in a home's sale. White tends to be the most popular interior home color, which may be augmented with bright, fresh flowers or area rugs. Keep loud noise at bay by having the kids and dogs away during showings keeping music and appliances turned off. Finally, smell is a deal breaker for many buyers, so clean your home well and air it out so that it smells new and fresh. Avoid using perfumes, candles, incense, or cooking foods with strong smells prior to showings.

10. Brighten Up- People respond more favorably to property that is shown under bright light. Brighten your home with effective lamps and overhead lighting. Clean windows, draw back the shades, and use mirrors to reflect light.