Here are the four easy things you should do to prepare your house for a sale. Doing a little work now will save you a big headache later.
Clean up the entryway
Buyers spend a lot of time in the front of your home. Whether they are gazing at the house from the curb or waiting on the front steps for their realtor to arrive, the entry way gets a lot of examination. Focus on this area to make sure that it is clean and in perfect shape. It is your home’s first impression. Paint the front door, replace worn or rusty house numbers and consider adding a shiny kick plate to the door. Don’t forget the area inside your home as you first enter it, as well.
Quick curb appeal
Old shrubs and other landscaping can really date a house. Rip out the old stuff or at least trim it back. You don’t have to get elaborate, but removing the old and sometimes adding some new fresh plantings can really make your house stand out from all of the other houses on the market, especially if there is a lot of competition and the homes in your area have the same look or are modeled off of the same plans. You would be surprised at how taking out those old bushes really opens things up and makes it fresh.
Mr. Clean
The number one thing to do when preparing for a home sale is to clean, clean, clean. Remove the clutter and start scrubbing. Your home should sparkle from top to bottom. A clean, clutter-free home makes the best impression. Ask a friend to come help because sometimes a fresh eye can spot dirt that has escaped your attention.
Kitchen face lift
Kitchens and bathroom can really sell a home. You can make a big difference even without a remodel. Just replacing the cabinet hardware and the faucets can have a big impact. To go one step further, give cabinets a new coat of paint, and replace old vinyl floors with new and inexpensive vinyl tile.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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