Getting the House Ready to Sell
A large majority of sellers get their houses in shape before real estate agents ever see them. They know a house in good condition usually carries a higher price tag than a house that is only so-so. But you'll encounter some sellers who won't do anything until you make suggestions. Be prepared to help them prioritize tasks to get the house in the best possible shape for buyers to view.
Your sellers can get started by first handling some important tasks inside:
Make the kitchen spotless; clean the oven and other appliances.
Strive for shiny clean bathrooms, floor to ceiling.
Make all rooms neat and tidy.
Remove clutter.
Remove furniture that crowds a room.
Eradicate offensive odors.
Wash all windows and skylights.
That's a start, and some sellers will stop there. Most sellers, however, will take additional steps to get the house ready to show, once they understand that the work improves their chance of selling faster and for a top price.
It's Time to De-Clutter
We all have way too much stuff, so de-cluttering is one of the most helpful things a seller can do before allowing buyers to see the house. They're planning to move, so they'll have to pack up eventually and there are important reasons for doing it now. Removing all random items from shelves, countertops, or closets makes the house appear more spacious.
Sellers should consider removing large pieces of furniture if they make the house appear crowded. If the house is severely cluttered, the seller can rent a storage unit where boxes and other items can be kept until it's time to move.
Essential
It's especially important to make the kitchen appear as spacious as possible. Most of us have items sitting on our kitchen countertops that we don't use every day. They take up space and look messy, so encourage sellers to store those items in a cabinet.
Finishing Interior Touches
Encourage your sellers to expose desirable features. Are there gorgeous hardwood floors hiding under dated carpets? It makes sense to uncover them if it can be done for a reasonable cost. Are heavy drapes keeping natural light from streaming in? Lighten up the interior by removing them and replacing them with inexpensive ready-made bamboo shades or other light-filtering window coverings.
Curb Appeal
Many homebuyers decide whether or not to look inside a house based on what they see when they view the house from the street. This is curb appeal. Your seller's goal should be to make buyers start to fall in love with the house from the moment they see it. Home sellers will be closer to accomplishing that if they take care of some important exterior tasks:
Keep the lawn mowed.
Sweep the driveway and pressure wash it if necessary.
Evaluate landscaping and add or remove elements.
Enhance evening appeal with exterior lighting.
Spruce up the front door with a good cleaning or fresh paint.
Clean the gutters and wash exterior windows.
Paint the house if it's peeling or terribly faded.
Put away all garden implements and other tools.
Keep the entrance free of ice and snow.
Every property is different. Help your sellers brainstorm to determine exactly which tasks will be most effective at increasing curb appeal.
