We Are Here To Support YouSelling Your Property
Get Ready to Sell
You have made the decision to sell. So, now what? Every house is as unique as the person who owns it, but when you put your home on the market, there are some universal truths you should abide by if you want to make even the most humble of abodes look like a million bucks. It all starts with the “3 C’s”: curb appeal, clutter (as in de-clutter), and cleanliness.
The list below will walk you through this and everything else you need to know about getting a home in ship shape for selling. Remember, I’m an expert on this subject, so take advantage of that resource when the time is right.
Make A Checklist:
Exterior
Remove peeling and chipped paint; replace with a fresh coat.
Clear gutters and downspouts.
Make sure there is good exterior lighting and all walkway lights and front-door lanterns work.
Remove any moss from the roof.
Yard
Mow and trim grass; re-seed and fertilize where necessary.
Prune all overgrown trees and shrubs.
Remove or replace dead or diseased plants, shrubs and trees.
Clean grease and oil stains from driveway.
Weed flower beds.
Decks/Patios
Paint or stain worn areas in wood decks.
Remove grass growing in concrete cracks; sweep off debris from shrubs and trees.
Clean all deck rails and make sure they’re secure; replace missing slats or posts.
Front Door
Polish the hardware on the door until it shines.
Add a fresh coat of paint to get rid of nicks.
Clean the glass on the storm door; make certain the screen is secure.
Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door is opened or closed.
Windows
Clean all windows—inside and out.
If needed, add a fresh coat of paint to the window trims and sills.
Make sure all windows open and close easily.
Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals.
Make sure window screens are secure; replace any screens with holes or tears.
Entry
Clean entryway floors and area rugs.
Downsize clutter in entry closet to give the appearance of spaciousness.
Double-check entry lighting to make sure it works.
Living Room/Dining Room/Family Room
Give the room a fresh coat of paint if necessary (use neutral colors where possible).
Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls.
Make sure all wallpaper is secure.
Repaint any woodwork that is worn or chipped.
Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.
Make sure draperies and blinds open and close.
Wash windows.
Steam-clean carpets. Clean rugs and wood flooring, and remove any stains or odors.
Position the furniture to showcase the size and space of the room.
Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables.
Store family photos and other personal effects.
Leave some lighting on – especially in rooms without a lot of natural light.
Kitchen
Make sure countertops and sinks are clean, de-cluttered, and stain-free.
Fix dripping faucets.
Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear clean, neat, and spacious.
Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are defrosted and free of odors.
Clean the oven and cook-top thoroughly.
Make sure dirty dishes are cleaned and put away every day.
Bathrooms
Make sure sinks, tubs, showers, and countertops are clean and free of stains.
Repair any leaky faucets.
Remove grout and soap stains from tile.
Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout.
Make sure all joints are caulked.
Make sure all fixtures, including heat lamps and exhaust fans, are operating.
Install a new shower curtain.
Store all supplies, such as toilet paper, shampoo bottles, and cleansers.
Put away prescriptions, jewelry, and any items/valuables that are at risk for theft.
Bedrooms
Repair cracks in ceiling and walls.
Apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary.
Make sure wallpaper is secure.
Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.
Put away toys, clothes.
Neatly make up the beds.
Keep all closets clean and organized; treat any odors.
Make bed every day; put away dirty laundry; keep bedside table clear of clutter.
Basement
Check for water penetration or dampness; call for professional repairs if necessary.
Get rid of musty odors.
Clean furnace and drains.
Make sure light fixtures work.
Arrange storage area in a neat and organized manner.
Sweep/vacuum floor.
Make sure stairway handrail is secure.
Tidy Extras
Plant flowers to brighten a walkway and enrich the entry.
Remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves.
Remove all “fixer” cars, campers, and boats from the property.
Discard the clutter of magazines on the coffee and end tables.
Put away any personal effects, such as family photos, children’s artwork, etc.
Turn on lamps for ambient lighting; makes rooms feel more inviting.
Hide or get rid of worn-out throw pillows.
Replace shower curtains and invest in a matching set of towels in the bathroom.
At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting to keep home illuminated in dark.
The Selling Process
If you’re in the market to sell, it’s probably time to clean the house. Literally. Selling a home requires preparation, patience, and in most cases, good-old-fashioned elbow grease. From list to closing, we’ll walk you through the most important steps and terminology.
Representation
My job is to represent your best interests through every step of the sales process. I’ll listen to your needs and understand the market in which you are selling a home. I’m an expert in marketing, negotiation, transaction forms, and finance options, as well as have an understanding of technology and how it can enhance the marketing of your home.
Price
Determining the right price is hands-down the most important part of achieving the highest return in the least amount of time. There are a lot of factors that go into determining a home’s market value, such as the sales price of nearby homes that have recently sold, the listing price of similar homes that are currently on the market, as well as the condition and location of a home. In order to determine pricing, your Windermere agent will provide a comparable market analysis which walks you through what your home is worth – and why.
Prep Work
First impressions are key when selling a home, so before the ‘for sale’ sign goes up, put in the time to make sure it’s in ship shape. Fresh paint, clean closets, and cheery flowers – there’s a lot you can do to make even the most humble of abodes look like a million bucks.
Marketing Your Home
Creating a plan to market your home will help attract the interest of the right buyer. Today, the vast majority of homebuyers use the internet in their home search, so your marketing plan should include focused online activities, in addition to print advertising and open houses.
Home Showings
Showings are an inconvenient, yet necessary part of the home selling process. When your home is on the market it has the potential to be shown at any time, so it’s important to maintain a certain level of cleanliness; clear dishes from the sink, make beds, put away dirty laundry, and vacuum and dust regularly. It’s also a good idea to clear out; it makes buyers uncomfortable to tour a home when the owners are in the next room, so for the sake of your sale, vacate your home for showings.
Purchase And Sale Agreement
Once an offer on a property has been made by a buyer and accepted by the seller, they enter into a legal contract known as a Purchase and Sale Agreement. This document outlines the specific terms and conditions of the transaction and is acknowledged by both parties by the signing of the document.
Inspection
Once a buyer and seller reach mutual acceptance on a property, a home inspector is hired to investigate every nook and cranny to determine if the home is in need of any repairs. An inspector will check items such as the roof, basement, heating system, water heater, air-conditioning system, structure, plumbing, and electrical. Afterwards, buyers will have a chance to negotiate with the sellers to cover the costs of certain repairs or to ask for concessions.
Negotiation
Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, negotiation is the key to getting the best deal. Negotiations can involve everything from settling on a sales price to concessions and financing. I am an expert negotiator and my job it is to represent your interests during the give and take of a real estate transaction.
Escrow
Once the offer is accepted and a closing date agreed upon, escrow allows the buyer and the seller to have an outside party ensure all parts of the contract are complete. I’ll help coordinate the completion of all necessary forms to the escrow company and monitor the escrow process until the transaction is complete.
Closing
At closing, the buyer and seller sign all the paperwork, both parties pay any settlement fees and the documents are officially recorded. Prior to closing, you’ll receive a settlement statement outlining any fees that may apply to you.
Selling Tips
Ask for help to see your home from a buyer’s point of view. Ask someone who can be objective and honest, or give honest advice on their impressions of your new home.A real estate agent is a good choice.
- Stimulate buyers’ imaginations by setting scenes throughout the house, such as a chess game in the corner of your family room.
- Create a spacious feeling while showing your house; open all doors fully.
- Use folded quilts, bright colored pillows and fresh flowers to draw attention to the positives.
- A bright colored umbrella on the deck invites buyers to use the backyard.
- Disguise unsightly views. Remove dark, heavy drapes and replace with light sheers; let breeze blow in and move sheers.
- Place 3- to 4-inch glass shelves inside window frames for reflective quality. Never block light, and never apologize for a bad view.
- Eliminate bad odors. Breathe fresh outside air, then go indoors and hunt down offensive odors. Use Lysol, potpourri, carpet fresheners, deodorized cat liter, and cedar chips or blocks in your closets.
- Keep front door area (inside and out) clean and uncluttered. Buy a new door mat (avoid mats with cute sayings), clean brass door knockers, and place pottered flowers on front porch. Color is important.
- Avoid eccentricities such as beads in doorways, wild posters, dark walls, mirrored ceilings, scared temples, etc. Your house must appeal to masses.
- Hold a garage sale before listing your home to make certain that all storage areas, closets, and the basement and garage are uncluttered and spacious.
- Find the fine line between clutter and emptiness.
- Make the interior of your home visible from the exterior- keep windows clean, screen doors open, lights on.
- If possible, put a swing on the porch with colorful pillows.
- Place photos of your family enjoying the home in three different places around the house.
- Make sure the entry level floor makes a good first impression.
- Clean out the closets nearest the front entryway; make it appear spacious, with empty hangers for plenty of winter coats.
- Highlight the fireplace if you have one. Add color by putting flowers on the mantle, or have a fire going if the weather is cool enough.
- Stand about 30 feet outside the front door and evaluate the feeling you get from looking at your house. It should be warm, inviting and feel like home.
- Set the dining room table. Make it emotional (homey) and appropriate for the time of day if possible.
- Make sure all windows are crystal clean.
- Create extra counter space by storing appliance, dish racks, dish soap, etc.
- De-personalize teenagers’ rooms; not everyone has teens or likes their taste in decorating.
- Have fresh flowers in the house to give a feeling of life in the home.
- Increase the wattage of light bulbs in the basement and laundry room.
- Add a neutral coat of fresh paint.
- Have the carpeting professionally cleaned.
- Leave your house during all showings.
- Board any pets, or take them with you during showings.
Staging Importance
As the saying goes, first impressions are everything. And the same holds true when selling your home. Beyond making sure that your home is squeaky clean, staging can be the difference between boring and breathtaking. Staging highlights your home’s best features and helps minimize any drawbacks. It allows buyers to feel comfortable and visualize themselves in your home without distraction. This is especially important if it is not occupied because an empty home has a difficult time communicating its potential to prospective buyers. When staging your home, you can either hire a professional stager or simply make adjustments to your own décor using the following guidelines.
Enhance Your Home’s Appeal
When preparing your home for sale, think about why you fell in love with your home in the first place, and what you still love about it. Did the entryway feel particularly welcoming? Do you love the flow of the living spaces? Perhaps it’s how the sunlight pours into the kitchen? Enhancing and highlighting these details can help evoke the same feeling for prospective buyers. Another useful tactic is to look at your home through the eyes of a buyer; it’s this process that is sometimes hard for sellers and why hiring a professional home stager can be the way to go. If hiring someone is out of the question, you can also look to your real estate agent for help with this process; they don’t have a sentimental attachment to your home, so it’s easier for them to provide an objective opinion.
Keep It Neutral
You may love your bright red accent wall or colorful art collection, but potential home buyers may not. Before showing your home, you will want to make an effort to tone down loud colors and create something of a blank canvas so buyers can better envision themselves—and their things—in your home. Kids’ rooms are no exception; you may want to avoid overly gendered or bold colors in bedrooms and bathrooms. A future homeowner may not have children or may see the space as an office or guest room, so showcasing rooms in a versatile light is best. Keeping it neutral applies to smell too. Don’t overpower your home with heavy scents using air fresheners or potpourri, but at the same time, you don’t want your closet smelling like sweat socks, so use your best judgment.
Less Is More
It’s time to clear out the clutter. You may not think of family photographs or books and trinkets as clutter, but to the prospective buyer, they’re exactly that. As such, all personal and superfluous items should be stored away—offsite if your home’s storage is at a premium. Excess furniture can make a room feel cluttered too, so it’s a good idea to store, sell, or give away surplus or bulky furniture. Bookcases should be thinned out and closets cleared to the point of almost being empty. Any religious memorabilia or political ideologies should also be absent from your home so as to not offend a prospective buyer who may not share your same beliefs. Once your home is staged, it may not feel as functional or personal, but it will do a better job of showcasing the space for buyers.
Let There Be Light
Another important element is the lighting. Bright, well-lit houses seem more spacious and cheerful. During the day, all the curtains and drapes should be open. If the view is unappealing, you can simply purchase sheer window coverings that let light through, but mask the view. Another way to brighten up your home is to turn on all the lamps, even during the day. And don’t forget about hallways, closets and stairways—they too need their share of light.
Feels Like Home
You don’t want to remove all the personality from your home; rather you want to showcase the space in the best possible light while making it feel welcome and comfortable. You may want to rearrange furniture to fit the rooms better, de-centralize the television, pull furniture away from the walls, or create cozy spaces to invoke a certain feeling or environment. Staging is especially important if the home is not occupied because an empty home has a difficult time communicating its potential to prospective buyers. In fact, studies show staged homes typically sell faster (and for more money) than empty homes, so consider rental furniture to fill the space and give it a sense of hominess.
Helpful Home Staging Tips:
- Go through your home room-by-room and make changes holistically for each space.
- Store any unnecessary objects and personal items (off-site if possible).
- Group furniture in a way to make rooms feel more spacious.
- Clean up closets, cabinets, and other built-ins to make spaces look larger and more organized.
- Paint over bold wall paint with more neutral colors to appeal to a larger audience of buyers.
- Well-lit homes are more inviting; the right lighting also makes rooms appear more spacious.
- Enhance your home’s greatest assets and minimize the drawbacks.
- Look for opportunities to repurpose or reorganize spaces into usable rooms (i.e., convert storage space into an exercise studio).
- Make a special effort in bedrooms and bathrooms with nice linens; this makes rooms feel more intimate, polished, and appealing to potential buyers.
- Stage your dining room for a dinner party with table linens, dishes, silverware, and other table décor (i.e., candle sticks, flowers, etc.).
- Replace old curtains, cushions, and area rugs (you can find inexpensive replacements at discount stores and thrift shops).
- Keep counters clear of clutter; remove drying racks, fridge magnets, drinking glasses, toothbrush holders, and anything else that can be distracting to the eye.
- Remember, when staging a home, less is usually more!
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