How to Help Sue Sell Your Home

Potential buyers viewing your home are on the lookout for things that need repair.  If they feel the home has not been well cared for, this can leave a negative impression in their minds.  Below are a few tips on how to make your home have greater appeal for a faster sell. 

• First Impressions
• Paint
• Windows
• Doors
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Bedrooms
• General

First Impressions - You only get one chance to make a first impression!

• Clean the front entrance (steps, stoop, door mat)
• Clean the yard (trim grass and bushes, remove debris and snow)
• Paint the front door (if necessary)
• Check that the porch or yard light is in good repair
• Potted plants are nice touches at entrances
• Check that the house numbers are large enough to read

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Paint - Neutral colors are best!

• Paint doorways.
• Paint windows and trim.
• Paint walls (if necessary).

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Windows

• Repair faulty latches.
• Make sure windows don't stick.
• Keep clean so buyers can see out.

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Doors

• Repair sticking doors.
• Repair loose or non-working hardware.

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Bathrooms

• Fix leaking faucets.
• Fix loose fixtures.
• Clean and repair caulking and tile grout.
• Reduce sink stains, if any.
• Use fresh towels and curtains.
• Use fragrant soaps and potpourri.

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Kitchen

• Fix leaking faucets.
• Fix loose fixtures.
• Keep countertops clean and uncluttered.
• Keep refrigerator clean and in order inside.  Remove excess notes and magnets from outside.
• Keep all cabinets neat and in order.
• Repair cabinet hardware.
• Repair sticking cabinets and/or drawers.
• Hide trash bin if possible.  Use deodorant as well.
• Use fresh towels and curtains.
• Keep dishcloths and sponges under sink or out of sight.
• Store dish rack under sink if possible.

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Bedrooms

• Remove excess furniture.
• Keep clean and uncluttered.
• Keep clothes in closets.
• Keep shoes in neat rows (in boxes or show rack, if possible).
• Use attractive bedspreads and curtains.

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General

• Repair broken light switches and coverplates.
• Repair wall outlets and coverplates.
• Remove clutter (children's toys, newspapers, books, clothes, trash, etc.).  You may want to have a yard sale and/or rent a mini-warehouse to store things.
• Get rid of anything not being moved.
• Throw out trash.
• Remove off-season clothes from closets.
• Keep all shelves neat and in order.
• Keep garages, attics, basements and outbuildings clean and in order.
• Clean pool.
• Clean stairways.
• No overloaded wall plugs.
• Steam clean carpets and furniture and have drapes cleaned (especially if there is a smoker in the house).
• Empty ashtrays (consider smoking outside if possible).
• Glue back peeling wallpaper and tape down loose carpet.
• Remove signs and posters that may be offensive.
• Use lots of potted plants and fresh cut flowers.
• Make sure all light bulbs work and have high enough watts.

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