These are tips and tricks that I have learned over the years to help my sellers prepare your home before it goes on the market.  With many years of real estate experience, I know that the more you prepare before the sign goes in the yard...the better prepared you are to move on to your next step!  

1)   Organize and Clean

Pare down the clutter and pack up unused items.  You don’t necessarily have to store things off-site, but stacking boxes neatly in the garage or corner in the basement is fine.  Clean windows (inside & out), clean carpets, baseboards, walls, light fixtures, and bathrooms to help the house shine!  The more you clean and touch-up before you put your house on the market = better offer from a buyer later!

2)   Find Warranties, receipts, and other household documents

Start a pile of papers that should stay with the home after the sale.  Appliance manuals, warranties, receipts for repairs done on the home, permits for work done, insurance claims, etc.  Anything related to the roof, furnace, A/C, appliances included in the home, or original builder documents – if you have them.  The buyers may use them and it is a good reference for them to look back on once they own the home. 

3)   Get Replacement Estimates

Is your carpet worn out?  Do you have a broken gate or falling down fence?  Will some item need to be replaced soon?  Buyers may point it out in their feedback or at inspection, and you will already have a quote to know the cost to fix or replace these worn out or broken items.  While you might not want to fix it or replace it yourself, you will have a better idea how to negotiate with the buyer if you have a quote in hand!

4)   Get Rid of Smells

Nothing turns off buyers more than an overwhelming scent to their noses.  Pet odors, smoke, spicy cooking, or strong cologne can turn a buyer off to your home.  Open up your windows and doors on nice days to air out the house.  Wash pet pillows, clean the carpets and curtains, and put a light air freshener next to pet areas.  Bring in a fresh bouquet of flowers for your table to help freshen up the home!

 5)   Spruce up the Curb Appeal

Stand outside your home and really look at your house.  What is your first impression of the property? As you approach the front door, what do you see?  Are the numbers visible?  Is the paint on the home in good condition?  Does the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured?  Remove all trash and weeds, and hose down those spider webs that surround your porch lights.  Make sure the front of your home looks like a model home!

6)   Get Pre-Approved for your Next Step.

The best way to ensure a great home transition is to get pre-approved for the next home loan.  It doesn’t matter if you are upgrading or downsizing, it is good to have a plan for the equity that you are taking from one home to another.  Let me know if you need a good lender to talk to!

If you have any other questions or need specific information for the sale of your home, please reach out to me!  I look forward to working with you on your next real estate transaction!