getting your home ready to sell

Get Your Home Ready To Sell

While currently the real estate market has slowed down due to Covid-19, it's not all doom and gloom.   For future sellers, now is a great time to consider what can be done to get their home ready to list, once this pandemic is over.  A lot of sellers make the mistake of spending a lot of money on a lot of bells and whistles that potential buyers may or may not even want.   

Here is a  list of cheap and easy tasks a seller can do to get there house listing ready. The thing needed order to do them is - time. 

] First things first – Earmark items to get rid of. Once this is you can either have a sale or choose a variety of charities that accept house old items. Most charities offer pick up. Once the clutter is cleared away, it will be easier to see what needs to be done.

] Edge, mow and fertilize the lawn regularly. Make sure it’s well watered and reseed any sparse areas.

] Put a bright coat of paint on your mailbox.

] Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly. Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house.

] Buy a new welcome mat.

] Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling, and reseal if possible.

] If you have siding or brick, power-wash it. If you have a painted exterior, consider repainting in a neutral shade. This is especially important if there is any peeling.

] Make sure the porch light works.

] Clean and align gutters and downspouts.

] Inspect and clean the chimney.

] If the doorbell doesn’t work, repair or replace it.

] Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.

] Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.

] Remove oil stains from driveway and garage.

] Repair broken outdoor steps.

] Spring for some brightly colored potted outdoor flower arrangements for the front yard near the entrance.

] Keep your garage door closed.

] Wash the windows inside and out.

] Paint the front door.

] Get rid of bad smells.  If prospective buyers walk into your house greeted by the smell of cat litter, cigarette smoke, mildew or pet accidents, there is little chance that even a reduced sales price will persuade them to buy. 

] Clean, clean, clean. This includes walls, floors, inside closets and cabinets – everything. If you must, hire a cleaning service to come in and do the job.

] Get rid of clutter. Put away appliances you normally leave on counter-tops. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Clean out your closets, garage, basement and attic.

l Paint the walls and ceilings a neutral color – off white or beige.

l Repair cracks, holes and damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.

l Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings and other woodwork.

l Repair dripping faucets and shower-heads.

l Buy new cabinet knobs and curtains for the kitchen.

l Shampoo all carpets, scrub and wax linoleum, wash and wax wood floors.

l Unclog slowly draining sinks and tubs.

l Clean out the fireplace and lay some logs in it.

l Mend torn screens. Clean out all window tracks.

l Check to see that all windows will open and close.

l Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs.

l Make sure every light switch works.

l Nail down any creaking boards or stair treads

l Lubricate any squeaking doors

l Remove excess, worn or unattractive furniture.

l Thoroughly clean all appliances (especially refrigerator and oven).

l Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains.

l Clear all cobwebs from corners and doorways.

l Wash all  light switches, handrails and doorknobs

These are just some general things that you as a homeowner can do that are both easy and cheap.  They can be done within the months leading up to listing the home.  Some of these may seem simple and unimportant but, something as simple as a broken handle, may cause the buyer to wonder "what else is wrong with the property?" 

Keep in mind while some improvements may be advisable and expected ie, replacing a leaking roof. Most major upgrades and improvements are not financially viable. Contrary to a lot of home improvement reality shows, home seller's do not get back the entire $10,000 that they put into their kitchen or bathroom remodels   

In short, it makes more sense to spend as little money as possible and spend it on cosmetic readily seen features such as painting or carpets and save the major remodeling for your own enjoyment as you stay in the home.  

https://www.woodlandhomes4sale.com/blog/get-your-home-ready-to-sell?ts=blg