Preparing Your Home for Sale

Remember when your parents used to tell you that a little goes a long way? Well, once again, they were correct. Putting in a little TLC when you are preparing to sell your home can make the difference between months of sitting on the market and accepting a lower price, and a quick, easy, clean sale. Remember these tips from Heartland Builders and you’ll be on your way into a new home in no time!

Curb appeal gets buyers in the door. Stand outside of your house and take a look at it with fresh eyes. Does the door need to be painted? Have weeds taken over your garden? Are cobwebs hiding behind the lamppost? A fresh coat of pain, a colorful planter with flowers and some time in the yard can make a great first impression.

If it’s broke, fix it! All it takes is one lose banister rail or a light switch that doesn’t work properly and buyers start to look a little closer and question a little more. If they haven’t fixed a crack light socket, what else haven’t they fixed? Take some time as you prepare to sell to walk through your home and prepare a list of items that need to be addressed. If carpet is stained and cannot be cleaned, consider replacing it. A small investment upfront can mean more dollars in the end.

Less is more! The fewer things on countertops, floors, closet shelves and any other visible space, the better. When buyers see items out on shelves and crammed into closets they get the impression that storage space is limited—a major red flag. Also, rooms look larger with less furniture; so, don’t give away your favorite leather recliner that takes up half the living room, but perhaps move it to a storage unit temporarily. Rooms should be easy to navigate with no obstacles in the way.  

Remove yourself. You want this to be THEIR home, not yours, so take down personal items and any sports, political or religious memorabilia. You wouldn’t want the fact that a potential buyer roots for your team’s arch rival dissuade them from buying your home.

Make it shine. Sure you keep a clean and organized home, but when was the last time the baseboards got the attention they deserved, or the tile grout was scrubbed until it sparkled? Whether you tackle it yourself or hire professionals to help, a deep cleaning inside and out is important before listing your home. Consider having the windows washed, power-washing sidewalks, decks and driveways, and getting down and dirty in the kitchens and bathrooms.