34 Top Quick Fix Tips for Sellers
2014/01/11

"If you are selling your house, your agent has told you (or should have told you) that preparing your home for sale and showing is, perhaps, the most critical part of the sale process. "

The first impression created will instill a desire to purchase in the potential buyer and could affect the speed at which they will make an offer. If their first impression is awesome, their initial offer will also be higher.

There are two basic principles that apply to the fix-up process. Keep them in mind as you read this report and as you prepare your most valuable asset for sale:

1. The perception of abundant space is often more important than the actual square size of the property.

2. Most people envy those who can claim a place of calm amongst the storms of life. Your home must look lived in, but radiate the order that most home buyers strive for.

With these in mind, the following are a few tips that you can use as a starting point to prepare your home. The list is by no means exhaustive - you know your own house far better than we do. Add to the list and check off each item that is important for you to get done. Bear in mind that some exercises (such as applying a coat of paint) cannot be done at the last minute.

Preparation check list

In the garden/exterior

1. Keep the lawn neatly trimmed.

2. Weed and water all garden beds, ensuring that they are look neat and well kept.

3. Put a fresh pot plant (flower or small potted shrub) outside to the entrance of your house.

4. Make sure walkways are weed free and that all potholes have been filled.

5. Ensure that all wooden outdoor furniture or storage sheds have had a fresh coat of varnish applied to them, and that all outside metal is rust free.

6. If you have a storage shed, clean it out completely, leaving only enough to show continual use. In other words, remove all clutter.

7. Apply number 6 to your workroom as well, ensuring that all tools are stacked neatly.

8. Straighten and/or repaint your fence, ensure that your mail box (if you have one) looks good, and make sure your gutters are in good condition.

9. Ensure that your front door bell is in presentable, working condition.

10. Tighten loose door-knobs, and oil squeaking hinges.

11. Repair all broken windows and shutters and blinds.

12. Ensure that the servant's quarters are in good condition and look neat, tidy, clean and well kept.

13. Clear out the garage of everything but cars.

In the house

1. Shampoo carpets (you can cheaply hire cleaning equipment if you want to do it yourself)

2. Make sure everything has been cleaned (including light fittings, blinds, walls and tiles)

3. Wash the curtains and make sure they are hung correctly.

4. Remove items from your cupboards that do not need to be there, including excess clothing. Give your cupboards a neat, uncluttered look - potential buyers will be looking in them to assess the amount of storage space available.

5. Create space by removing excess furniture. If you have extra chairs or an extra couch, remove it from your property.

6. Move furniture around so that it will allow for an easy walk around your house.

7. Pack away your personal keepsakes & photos.

8. Ensure that your children's bedrooms have images that are exhibitions of conservative artwork at best (i.e. make sure that their wall posters have been scaled down to a minimum)

9. Open as many blinds and curtains as possible to ensure that the maximum amount light enters the house, but be sure to keep blinds closed that hide unpleasant views that you have not been able to get rid of.

10. If you decide to repaint, choose lighter colours (not white) as this gives the impression of more space.

11. Remove excess appliances from your kitchen - make it look used, but spacious.

12. Keep your sink free of any dishes at all times.

13. Organize your cupboards into neat, uncluttered piles. If necessary, remove some of the dishes and glasses.

14. Clean your oven.

15. Keep fresh flowers in your kitchen - ones that have a pleasant smell.

16. Place plants in strategic spots in any room - the bigger the more glamorous, if space permits.

Realty King IPG

RTS 01/2014