So you've decided to sell/rent your home. Congratulations are in order! You have a lot of excitement and hard work ahead of you. When considering putting your home on the market remember, they are here for the best deal in town. Keep in mind what today's buyers are looking for: a well-kept home that is spotless, spacious, stylish and up-to-date. They are going to judge every aspect of your home regardless of what theirs looks like. Consider it Judgment Day! So if you want to standout and be remembered at the end of their search, you have to make THE BEST first impression.
Print this out and keep track of what your home or rental property needs to be get ready for your potential buyers/renters. If you are working with a vacant property, the best solution is to contact a home stager to furnish your space.
Plan Ahead
1. Walk through each room and criticize the home from a buyer's/renter's perspective.
2. Ask a few local real estate professional or estate stager for their advice.
3. Don't get defensive - We are professionals and know the ins and outs and phycology of the real-estate market.
3. Don't get defensive - We are professionals and know the ins and outs and phycology of the real-estate market.
4. Consider getting a professional home inspection to see if any repairs are needed.
5. Hire a contractor to handle any major projects.
6. Consider getting an appraisal to find out your current market value. This will cost you but in the long run, it can make you $$$.
7. Hold a yard sale. Sell, donate or trash anything you don't need.
Clean, Declutter and Depersonalize
1. Thoroughly clean the entire home. This means the junk room and garage too. Buyers and renters want to look into every nook and cranny of your property.
2. Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.
3. Clean hardwood floors.
4. Steam clean carpets and drapes. Consider replacing carpet if it's outdated or if stains are prominent.
5. Get rid of all dust bunnies and cobwebs.
6. Repair cracks and holes in the walls.
7. Paint interior walls with neutral colors, like beige, cream or light pastels. Pale blues and greens are good bathrooms and white towels.
8. Remove excess and oversized furniture.
9. Rearrange furniture to maximize space.
10. Organize room closet and store out-of-season clothes.
11. Remove all small appliances, toys, magazines and pet items.
12. Remove family photos, personal collections and medications.
13. Remove items from the garage and store them off site.
14. Secure valuable items, including cash and jewelry.
Maximize Curb Appeal
2. Check front door, doorbell, address number and welcome mat.
3. Power wash the siding and windows.
4. Inspect the roof and make repairs as needed.
5. Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalks.
6. Sweep the entryway and walkways.
7. Mow, water and fertilize the lawn.
8. Trim shrubs and trees and rake the leaves.
9. Plant colorful flowers and shrubs.
10. Store any toys or equipment lying on the yard.
11. Clean up pet droppings.
12. Clean the gutters and downspouts.
Deep Clean Kitchens & Bathrooms
1. Mop and wax/polish the floors.
2. Clear the countertops.
3. Replace outdated hardware.
4. Clean appliances and fixtures.
5. Clean and organize the pantry, cabinets and drawers.
6. Replace old caulking around sinks and bathtubs.
7. Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs.
8. Keep all toilet seat lids closed.
9. Hang fresh white towels.
Appeal to the Senses
1. Bake cookies or burn scented candles.
- 2. Offer light refreshments.
3. Install higher wattage incandescent light bulbs to brighten rooms.
4. Turn on all the lights.
5. Open windows to let in fresh air.
6. Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light and show off views.
7. Turn off TVs but you might want to play soft "lobby music". Remember, it's all about appealing to the senses.
8. Relocate pets on the day of the open house.
9. Refrain from smoking in the home or cooking highly fragranced foods.
10. If budget permits, have live floral arrangements throughout to bring color and life to your space. Fresh greenery gives life to a room and you want each room to exude warmth, not a do-not-touch, sterile environment.
10. If budget permits, have live floral arrangements throughout to bring color and life to your space. Fresh greenery gives life to a room and you want each room to exude warmth, not a do-not-touch, sterile environment.
Show Off Your Home's Best Features
1. Remove rugs to show off hardwood floors.
2. Pull back drapes to showcase nice views.
3. Stage the front porch or deck with furniture and potted plants.
4. Make sure fireplaces are in working condition.
5. Clean the backyard and pool area.
6. Declutter all built-ins.
Prepare for the Open House
1. Hold an exclusive brokers' open house to let local agents know your home is on the market.
2. Offer messy-free food and clear refreshments.
3. Inform family, friends and neighbors of the date and time of your open house.
4. Put ads in local newspapers, real estate publications and on free web sites like Craigslist.com.
5. These days, many homes are discovered and even sold over the internet, so that means you’re going to need a good set of photographs to showcase the spaces in your home. That will be my next blog, "Picture Perfect".
5. These days, many homes are discovered and even sold over the internet, so that means you’re going to need a good set of photographs to showcase the spaces in your home. That will be my next blog, "Picture Perfect".
6. Put up “Open House” signs on the front lawn and at nearby intersections with directions to the house.
7. Create property description sheets and prepare important documents, such as homeowner's association rules, inspection reports and purchase offer forms.
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As you can see, getting your property on the market can be a lot of work. But that's why it's always a good idea to consult a professional home stager and real estate agent. We are here to help YOU.