|
Return to Previous Page ~ Return to Home Page
10 Ways to Make Your House More Salable
1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage. You may want to consider renting a storage unit. Pack things to get ready for the move & put it in storage.
2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.
3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.
4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows.
5. Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.
6. Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems, such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet, may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.
7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway. Be sure to check your front door & entry areas prior to each showing to make sure it all still looks tidy.
8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.
9. Clean your gutters. Make sure they are properly attached & draining well.
Polish your front doorknob and door numbers. It’s important to make sure your house number is visible from the road to help Realtors and potential buyers easily find the house.
Reprinted from REALTORÒ Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSÒ. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. Amendments and additional information provided by Liz Maule.
Return to Previous Page ~ Return to Home Page | 
