The first thing you need to do is decide that this is no longer your home and de-personalize your home. By packing up things you solve two things. You begin the de-cluttering and making your home look like a model home and you get a head start on your packing. Here is a list of things to do:
Take down all your family photos, buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in the home.
Repair any holes from the hanging photos and be sure you repaint those repairs with matching paint, if it was flat paint use flat, glossy, use glossy--it is easy to see repairs if not done correctly.
De-clutter your home by removing unnecessary knick knacks, pack them up and store them in a rented storage facility or neatly in the garage.
Clear counter tops including, kitchen, baths, dressers and tables.
Clean out closets and give away or garage sale unnecessary items and have cabinets and closets neatly arranged--top to bottom.
Dust everything and keep it dusted, high shelves and air vents as well as baseboards often get forgotten. A clean and well maintained home makes the buyer see that you have taken good care of the home and they realize unseen things are probably well taken care of too.
Let's Talk about Paint
Although you and your family may love the various colors in your home buyers want to be able to see the home with neutral colors so they can re-paint or decorate to their liking. Many buyers just can't see past the loud colors and although it is easily changed want a home that is ready to move into without a lot of changes. Fresh paint also cleans up the walls and baseboard to a brand new condition. Don't forget to check the exterior paint as well, including any wood trim for rot and discoloration.
Repairs and Cleaning:
Repair leaky faucets
Doors that squeak or don't close properly and don't forget drawers as well.
Replace cracked tiles
Re-paint or replace rusty screen doors.
Repair broken shutters and chipped walls.
Replace light bulbs and be sure they are clean.
Replace worn out linens on beds, windows and decorative towels.
Wash all your windows; make them sparkle, inside and out.
Clean everything top to bottom, baths, kitchen, all rooms
Keep floors clean and vacuumed daily
Keep all beds made and laundry and toys put away
Caulk any tubs, showers or sinks that need it.
Clean out your refrigerator
Ceiling fans need to stay clear of cobwebs and dust
Litter boxes should NOT be in the home
Pet odors MUST be eliminated
First Impressions:
When a prospective buyer comes to the home they usually have a minute or longer to stand outside your door and look around while the real estate agent is getting the key and unlocking the door. You must give the best first impression possible so they don't make up their minds before entering.
Freshly paint the front door if needed, minimally keep it clean.
New handles if they are looking worn.
Fresh pot of floors by the front door is a great first impression.
Clean/new welcome mat
Front landscaping should be maintained throughout the home selling process. Make it jump out and look the best it can, green grass, flowers, trimmed foliage, swept walkways etc.
If you know you are having a showing it is also a good idea to bake some fresh cookies, the smell will feel like home and your guests would love a plate left out for them to munch, it also tends to keep them in the home a little longer.
In general, your home should look as much like a model home as possible, guests can easily maneuver through rooms so they don't feel cramped and having minimal furniture makes rooms look larger. In a model home you only see decorative items and everything is clean and smells fresh. Odors are the biggest no no's in showing a home.
Nancy Niblett is a highly successful Real Estate Agent specializing in the Gilbert and Mesa areas of Metro Phoenix. She credits her success to hard work, integrity and honesty. Clients continue to refer her over and over again. Nancy is one of the most successful award-winning agents with Keller Williams Realty, East Valley. She was awarded the Silver Top Producing individual agent in 2004, Double Gold individual in 2005 and the annual Spirit and Integrity award in 2005 and 2006. Her most cherished moment was bestowed on her in 2006, the Regional "Culture" award, which is the highest attainable honor given.
In 2006 and 2007 she received the Silver Top Producing Individual Award and the Association of Realtors Presidential Multi-Million Dollar Producer Club Award for the past 7 years straight. For several years she has been part of the Agent Leadership Council. She has served as the Chairperson for the KW Cares Charity Organization and has raised thousands of dollars for Hurricane Katrina victims as well as for Make-a-Wish Foundation and other charities.
Check out her Gilbert Property Listings or Mesa Property Listings on the internet.
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