32 TIPS ON PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR LISTING AND SALE
Residential real estate is a unique asset to accurately value because so many factors determine the value. There are as many subjective items as there are objective items that go into the final equation. The process is as much art (in the eye of the beholder) as science.
To a potential buyer, the real value of your home will not simply be the agreed upon selling price. As you know, there could be two almost identical homes at the same asking price but will be best suited to different buyers because of the unique features and amenities. That’s why it is important to realistically assess your home and determine the qualities most appealing and important to a prospective group of buyers.
Always remember that “First Impressions” play a huge part in the buyer’s final decision. Often it is the home that not only catches the eye of the buyer, but also combines the best value, level of comfort, attractiveness and soundness.
Once these basics are met, the buyer will then consider all the nice amenities your home may offer or can be added by them after the sale.
The 32 Tips will help you make sure that your home will be the best it can as buyers begin to visit and make their decisions. This begins at the driveway, to the front door, through the house, and into the back yard. Many of these suggestions are self-evident and simple while others can require time and investment. But the goal is to make sure you get the best price possible with the least amount of time on market.
View from the Street:
1. How does the MailBox look? The post should be straight and in good shape. Spray paint the box and red flag if needed or just replace it. Mailboxes are inexpensive!
2. The yard (all around the house) needs to be mowed and free of those pesky weeds.
3. Planting beds should be mulched, planted if the season allows, and weeded.
4. Remove any dead foliage and leaves from the ground and clean any bird baths/fountains.
5. While you probably love your yard ornaments, please leave only those which add good taste and style.
6. Around back, highlight the outdoor living spaces. Make sure they’re clean and inviting places to sit, play and entertain in Atlanta’s beautiful spring, summer and fall!
7. Your driveway and walkways should be free of cracks. Trim any shrubs or trees that overhang these spaces. Remove all oil stains and mold/mildew deposits especially on concrete surfaces. And since many homes have basketball goals on the home or in the driveway, be sure it’s in good shape.
8. Any fencing should be clean and in good repair, such as gates, hinges and panels.
Your Home’s Exterior:
9. If not recently painted, be sure the siding, garage door and woodwork are clean. Repair any damage to siding and porches.
10. Paint peeling door and window trims. Remove any wasps’ nests from eaves.
11. Place container or hanging plants in the entryway for color.
12. Although none of us “Do Windows,” you’ll be glad you do them inside and out because it not only let’s the sunlight in, but reflects very well on you.
13. The front door is real important! Clean, paint or stain the door as well as polish any metal items like the house number and kick plate. Also be sure the doorbell works and the button light is not burned out.
14. O.K., the buyer is at the door with key in hand. Does your door handle and lock set open smoothly? If not, you need to repair or replace the set. No one wants to buy a home they must struggle to get into!
Now, Let’s Go Inside:
Now, be as thorough with your home’s interior as you were on the outside. The key here is to inspect the inside as if you were a buyer. This is easier if you ask others to give you their input, such as friends and you’re listing agent. A constructive and honest opinion will give you insights that you may overlook!
There are general “musts” for the interior of your entire home: Floors, Walls, Furniture, Fixtures, Closets, and our beloved house Pets. First, cleanliness and organization is top of the list for any room! It is not easy to keep your whole house up to “white glove” standards over a period of time, but a determined effort will pay dividends.
Think of your best vacation or business trip when you arrived at the destination. You are paying good money to stay in a place that meets the same standards as your home. If anything doesn’t meet your expectations or needs, you are likely to ask for a change of accommodation or satisfaction of replacement. The same is true for your prospective buyers.
15. Carpet, hardwoods, tile, and vinyl are pre-dominate flooring materials in many Atlanta homes. Dirty floors can be cleaned, but old worn or dated materials need to be replaced. Do not put on a designer’s hat here! Stay with a reasonably priced and styled material appropriate for the price range of your home. This will increase the immediate appeal and value of your home. The buyer will not want to replace your old flooring unless you reduce the price.
16. Wall color and condition are the next big item overall. Very simply fill all holes, preferably apply fresh paint in neutral tones and clean all walls that don’t need new paint. The buyer is more likely to accept your sale price even if they decide to repaint after move-in.
17. Sure, you think your furniture is perfect for every room! But, as a potential buyer do you want to see less clutter? The idea is to make each room look as spacious and livable as possible by removing certain corner pieces, tables and chairs. Don’t worry, it’s not personal.
18. If you have pets, the house should not have their odors because humans are very attuned to the sense of smell. The best solution is cleaning, air freshening and restricting the pets area, as practical for the duration of sale.
Now Let’s Look at Your Rooms:
19. The Foyer is a buyer’s first interior impression. Make it feel inviting by removing clutter, show-off a nice clean hard surface floor if appropriate, and clean the chandelier! Some well placed fresh flowers and potted plants are pleasing to the eye and say “Welcome.”
20. The primary Living, Great or Family Rooms must ask the buyer to sit down and relax. Turn on the lights and open drapes, maybe have a fire going if its cool out, and remember the no clutter rule. Also I like some background music (nothing hard, trendy, or controversial).
21. The Dining Room is much like the living rooms, but can be a little more formal if your space and style allows. If you have wallpaper make sure it’s not peeling. With the chandelier, use a dimmer to reduce the light level or install a dimmer if it doesn’t already exist. Mood Lighting!
22. The Home Study or Office is a common feature today. It is an asset to promote especially if you are wired for all business and personal entertainment options. One tip, make sure your desk is clean and organized.
23. The Kitchen. Well this is another dealmaker for most buyers. Is it totally clean? Start at the top and clean all cabinet facings and interior shelves, maybe even replace old shelf paper. People will look inside! Tidy-up those countertops just as you did all rooms especially if your counter space is limited. The appliances should be cleaned inside and out, with special attention to the stove, oven and microwave. Have no leaking or damaged faucets. Be sure the sink and dishwasher are empty during showings. Find a temporary home for the daily garbage container out of the kitchen because remember humans will smell things quickly! Be sure all hanging racks are secure. And obviously the floor will be cleaned or replaced if necessary to add value and appeal. Whew, that’s a lot of tips for one room but you’ll be happy with the results.
24. The Laundry Room should be just like your clean clothes, Kleen! Nothing folded on top of the dryer, hanging from lines or wall racks. Get all dust and lint off the machines and the dryer lint trap.
25. The Bathroom(s) vanities, faucets, wall-racks, closets and cabinets are like their kitchen buddies so the same goes. Pay special attention to tubs, showers and glass enclosures. Use those “scrubbing bubbles” to remove all soap film. If necessary get new shower curtains and apply a fresh bead of caulk, preferably white or beige depending on wall color. Some nice towels and fresh plants are an eye-catching touch.
26. The Bedrooms should be even more inviting than the living rooms, at least to the person who will use it everyday. Make them look comfortable but spacious and light by opening corners and have clear walking lanes around furniture.
27. The Basement should be as clean as possible depending on its current use and condition. Unfinished basements are just that, so use a wet-dry shop vac to clean the concrete floor. If you have any finished spaces, treat them like the upstairs rooms. Be sure that you do your best to eliminate and control the ever-present musty odors found below ground level. And by all means take care of any moister seepage through walls and floors. Both poured concrete and cinder block are susceptible to this over time.
28. The Garage, like the Basement is most apt to be full of all sorts of stored items. That’s o.k… But you should have some “method to the madness.” If you don’t have practical/safe storage units go to your favorite home improvement store and get some. If they’re not attached to the walls or floor, you can take them with you to the new house. Be sure there is nothing open or within reach of children like paints, solvents, tool’s, toys or building materials. You don’t want any legal issues at this point.
Just A Few Closing Ideas:
Now that you have the place ready for sale, is it up to your agent to do the rest? Yes and no. These 32 Tips are “Selling Your Home: 101”, just basic preparations that will provide walk-in visits. But you can give your agent even more advantage by compiling a list of special items or amenities that are not visible and apparent.
Some ideas on the outside might be:
29. Unique landscaping features, irrigation systems, lighting systems, built-in grills, retractable awnings, location of outdoor electric outlets and faucets, backyard play features, outside storage facilities, gardens, or walking paths.
30. Any recent exterior improvements like roofing, siding, high-efficiency windows, decking or patios, additions, or basement waterproofing.
And inside, you could have:
31. Up-graded or built-in appliances in the kitchen, those handy sliding cabinet shelves, a security system, pre-wired entertainment systems, enlarged tub or shower, garden tub, a deep utility sink in the house for unusual washing jobs, designer fixtures and hardware, built-in storage and cabinetry, high energy efficient appliances, upgraded attic and wall insulation, or finished bonus room(s).
And finally, your neighborhood offers these advantages:
32. Number of families on the block with or without kids, your next door neighbors are great, a neighbor’s child cuts your grass for a good price, have Spring or Summer pictures of the yard and flower beds if your selling in the Winter, and your satisfaction with common area maintenance if you’re in a subdivision.
These are just of few possibilities that could give you the edge. The Atlanta area is still a very competitive real estate market. With a reasonable amount of time and investment, you will be in the best possible position to close a good deal and be ready for your new home.
Thank you for using my Helpline and Remember …
“Informed Buyers and Sellers Make the Best Decisions”
And always, please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs.
Happy Selling!
Sincerely,
Joan Boudreau, Your Realtor®
770-356-4656
1-800-825-9573, code 902 Page 1
If your home is currently listed with another Broker, this is not intended to be a solicitation.