Below are a few low cost tips on how to prepare your home for sale.
Curb Appeal
- The front door greets the buyer. Make sure it is fresh, clean, and paint the trim.
- Add a seasonal wreath to the front door.
- Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of debris. Reseed the lawn, fertilize if necessary, and add mulch. In winter, be sure snow and ice is removed from walkways and steps.
- Clean your gutters.
- Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.
- Replace house numbers and outside light fixtures it worn or dated.
Interior
- Let the sun shine in. Open draperies and curtains and let prospective buyers see how cheerful your home can be.
- Fix the faucets! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
- Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from the home value. Go through and fix these items.
- Showcase your storage areas and closets by organizing and/or removing items so that prospective buyers can see there is ample space in the home.
- Bathrooms help sell homes. Repair grout and make sure it is sparkling clean. A new coat of paint with a neutral color gives bathrooms a fresh feel. If your fixtures are dated consider replacing them. Remove items on counters so they look spacious and clean.
- Arrange rooms throughout the house neatly. Remove excess furniture and trinkets. Remove personal photos and items.
- If you have children try to remove and store toys away, as much as possible.
- Kitchens are one of the most important rooms in the home! Remove excess appliances and items from the counter tops (such as toasters, mixers, etc.). Make sure all appliances are working and clean. If you have older cabinets you can add new hardware for a more updated feel.
- If your home has bold paint colors consider painting your walls a neutral color so that prospective buyers can picture their decor in the home.