Home Loans : Guide Selling Tips

Your home's exterior is the first thing a potential buyer sees, when visiting your home. The following tips will help you increase your home's curbside appeal and create a strong first impression to potential home buyers.

Fence

Replace missing slats, stakes and posts. Repair broken hinges and paint or stain the fence if necessary.

Yard

Mow, trim and fertilize the lawn. Weed flower beds and replace dead plants and trees.

Driveway, Garage, Carport

Clean up grease or oil spots on concrete surfaces. Make sure the garage door opens freely and the automatic door opener is working. Provide an unobstructed view of your home from the street by not parking cars, boats or other vehicles in the driveway.

Front Entry

Polish door handles and door knockers. Replace worn or broken items, such as an unsightly mailbox or rusty doorbell. Be sure porch lights are working and add welcoming features such as a new door mat and flowering plants.

Siding and Trim

Consider painting the highlight features of your home, such as trim work, shutters, gutters, down spouts and railings. If necessary, add a fresh coat of exterior paint to the exterior siding.

Roof

Remove debris such as tree branches and leaves. Straighten the TV antenna. Make any necessary repairs to worn shingles or cracked surfaces.

Patio, Deck

Flowering plants and outdoor furniture add appeal. Remove any unnecessary items such as gardening equipment. Tidy any visible items, such as an outdoor grill or barbecue.

Interior touch-ups:

Experience shows that creating a house warming feeling inside your home increases its desirability. View your home with a critical eye. Clean, complete minor repairs, and add finishing touches.

Doors and Windows

Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door. Polish brass fixtures and be sure door locks work properly. Oil hinges to both doors and windows. Keep stairways tidy and secure handrail. Repair or replace bent or damaged screens and window glass. Cut back outdoor plants that restrict natural light. Keep windows clean and tidy with draperies firmly affixed and in proper working order.

Floors and Carpets

Repair or replace missing or damaged tile, hardwood, vinyl and baseboards. Steam-clean or shampoo carpets. Secure loose carpeting and replace damaged areas. Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, high-traffic areas or pets.

Closets and Storage Areas

Ample storage space increases the desirability of the home. Keep closets tidy. Discard any unnecessary items and consider storing those you do not use frequently.

Bedrooms and Living Areas

Keep living areas clean and inviting. Arrange furniture to allow a spacious atmosphere. Make beds, arrange couch cushions, dust shelves, vacuum carpets and touch-up walls with paint or spackling as necessary. Wallpaper should be clean and adhere smoothly to the walls. Finishing touches such as flowers or candles add to the home's house warming appeal.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Clear counters, drawers and cabinets of unnecessary items. Clean soap dishes, mirrors, faucets and appliances (inside and out). Store cleaning supplies and hang freshly washed towels. Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, hampers, garbage and various foods.

Counters and Cabinets

Store infrequently used counter-top items to allow a spacious look in the kitchen and bathroom. Keep drawers and cabinets tidy and organized.

Garage or Workshop

Items should be neatly stored in shelving or wall units. Allow appropriate space for the home buyer to visualize their vehicle or workbench. Consider moving excess or over-sized items to mini-storage.

SHOWING YOUR HOME

With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer.

1. PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR SHOW

General Maintenance
Oil squeaky doors
Tighten doorknobs
Replace burned-out lights
Clean and repair windows
Touch up chipped paint
Repair cracked plaster
Repair leaking taps and toilets Spic and Span
Shampoo carpets
Clean washer, dryer, and tubs
Clean furnace
Clean fridge and stove
Clean and freshen bathrooms
The Buying Atmosphere
Turn on all lights
Light fireplace
Open drapes in the day time
Play quiet background music
Keep pets outdoors

Curb Appeal
Cut lawns
Trim shrubs
Weed and edge gardens
Pick up any litter
Clear walk and driveway of leaves
Repair gutters and eaves
Touch up exterior paint

The Spacious Look
Clear stairs and halls
Store excess furniture
Clear counters and stove
Make closets neat and tidy

The First Impression
Clean and tidy entrance
Ensure doorbell functions
Polish door hardware

SHOW YOUR HOME THE RIGHT WAY

When your house is being shown: Keep room draperies and shades open to let in light, and make rooms appear larger. Tag items not included in sale (i.e., water conditioner). Have your home well-lighted during showing. At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting if you have it. Neatness makes a room look bigger. Avoid clutter. Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters. Keep any toys in the children's rooms. Bikes, wagons, and skateboards should not be out front, but made as inconspicuous as possible. Keep stereo or TV turned way down. Take your family away if your broker is holding an open house. Don't mention furniture of furnishings you wish to dispose of unless asked. Such discussion can kill the sale. Keep pets outdoors when your house is being shown. Answer questions candidly when asked, but avoid questioning potential buyers. Be friendly and encourage people, to make themselves "at home." Remove and replace items not included in the sale of your house (i.e., Chandelier).