Getting your house ready to sell
Improvements That Add Value
Preparing your home to attract potential buyers can seem challenging. You want to do everything you can to make your property stand out, while enabling potential buyers to picture your home as their own. We'll share several simple, inexpensive ways to grab a browser's attention and increase the appeal of your home, inside and out. It's also a good idea to talk to a REALTOR® who can offer helpful advice about giving your home that extra advantage.
Do a little landscaping
Potential buyers will get their first impression of your home from its exterior. So stand outside and take a few moments to look at your home objectively. Could the grass use some cutting? Do the flowerbeds need a bit of TLC? Trimmed landscaping indicates a home that is well cared for throughout.
- Replace mulch.
- Pressure wash the house.
- Edge sidewalks.
- Remove vegetation between concrete and bricks.
- Trim tree limbs that are near the roof.
- Cut the grass.
- Prune hedges.
- Freshen flowerbeds.
- Clear away dead trees and debris.
Make your home more welcoming
Before homebuyers even come into your home, they'll be greeted by the front door. So think of it as another chance to make a good impression.
- Install a new door.
- Paint your front door.
- Add some new house numbers.
Get a new lockset, kickplate and house number combination that coordinates with a new light fixture.
Refresh your deck
You want your outdoor space to be a place buyers can imagine enjoying during the summer with friends and family. Fuel their imaginations by rejuvenating the deck and furnishings.
- Power wash deck clean.
- Reseal the deck.
- Use a wood lattice to enclose unsightly areas underneath.
- Add a bright umbrella.
- Replace cushions on furniture.
- Decorate with potted plants and flowers.
- Accent with a small fountain.
- Install wind chimes to create a serene atmosphere buyers are sure to appreciate.
- Use citronella candles to deter bugs.
Repair every imperfection
You probably no longer notice your home's little imperfections. Buyers, however, probably will. These small blemishes may stick out in the buyer's mind, so make sure to fix them.
- Patch small cracks.
- Repair drywall.
- Replace broken tiles.
- Replace old fixtures.
Clean every spot
Even if your house hasn't always been kept immaculate, you can still make it look that way. Whether you clean yourself or hire a professional team, it can really help lead to a sale.
- Scrub the bathroom and kitchen floors.
- Steam clean rugs.
- Polish hardwood floors.
- Wash windows inside and out.