Things You Need To Know
Your Asking Price
Remember, it's very hard to be objective about your own property because of your emotional attachment to it. An Appraiser is objective and will tell you what you need to know, not only what you want to hear. In addition to helping you set a marketable selling price so your home will attract buyers, a certified appraiser is an independent third party's opinion of your home's value, and gives credibility to your asking price. Not just what you say your house is worth.
Selling Tips
De-Clutter and clean your house. You have probably collected an amount of stuff. If you haven't used it in over a year, you really don't need it.
- If you don't need it, donate it
- Remove all books and knickknacks
- Clean everything off your kitchen counters that are not essential for daily use
- Use this process as a start on the packing you will eventually need to do once the house is sold
De-Personalize, Pack up your personal photo's and family heirlooms. You want buyers to imagine their own photo's on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are still there. This includes the refrigerator door.
Make Repairs by fixing leaking faucets, replacing broken tiles and painting needed areas with neutral colors. Fix doors or cabinet doors that don't close properly or are squeaky. Replace worn or dated carpets and floor tiles. Make sure all lights are working, and if you want to keep a special light or chandelier, replace it before you show the house.
Make Your House Sparkle
- Wash windows inside and out
- Pressure wash walkways and exterior walls
- Clean out cobwebs
- Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks
- Polish chrome faucets and remove water spots and toothpaste from mirrors
- Clean out the refrigerator, people will look inside
- Vacuum carpets and wax your floors
- Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures
- Hang up fresh kitchen and bathroom towels
- Clean, organize and air out closets and any musty smelling areas
- Make sure your furniture is clean and arranged in a manner that makes sense, and not block pathways. Make sure window treatments are arranged correctly and that all rooms pack a little pizzazz.
Do A Walk Through
Invite potential buyers to come into your house, and not drive by it because of the way it looks. Will the look of your house welcome you to stop?
If a buyer won't get out of their agent's car because they don't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get them to see the inside.
Make sure the lawn is mowed and all toys and bikes are put away. Make sure the garden hose is neatly rolled up. Be sure and paint door and window frames if needed.
Trim your bushes and trees, and plant or put out containers with fresh flowering plants. Make sure the driveway and walkway is clean and clear to walk on.
Make sure the potential buyer wants to see your house as bad as you want to sell it!