Paying Attention to Detail When Preparing to Sell Your Home

By Cheryl D. Green
Photo: © Terry J. Alcorn - Dreamstime
First impressions are lasting. If you are preparing to sell your home, you want it to appear well maintained and showroom ready. Using these simple tips will ensure that your home shouts, "’m ready to sell."


Tip 1. Improve the kitchen and bathroom.
Nothing adds value like improvements to these well-traveled areas. Check your cabinets and fixtures for hanging knobs or large scratches. Spend time making minor repairs and painting or staining cabinets. Get the bathroom ready by putting up a new shower curtain or replacing that old toilet seat.

Tip 2. Minimize the 'personal' touch.
Begin to remove excess pictures, school art, certificates or anything else that may hide walls. A shrine to your kids is cute, but it may also give the impression that you aren't ready to leave yet. Once again, buyers should be able to visualize themselves living in your home.

Tip 3. De-clutter and clean.
Since homebuyers are generally a nosy bunch, you'll want to make sure that even the hidden areas of your home are clean and organized. If a prospective buyer looks into a closet or opens a drawer, the last thing you want is Junior's wash pile falling out for the world to see. Take this opportunity to have a garage sale or place excess stuff into storage.

Tip 4. Fresh is always best.
Smell is one of our most powerful senses. Someone not used to your home may pick up scents that are not pleasing to their nose. Get rid of any unpleasant odor by shampooing the carpets, emptying the garbage and cleaning the refrigerator. You may want to light scented candles, have a light potpourri on the stove or use a plug-in to create a pleasant scent.

Tip 5. Have "curb appeal."
A well-kept lawn is an absolute 'must-have' when preparing to sell your home. People love to see the lines of a freshly mowed lawn in front of their house. Look at the front door and make it attractive with a new paint or stain job. Sweep around the door and place a new welcome mat down.

And finally, get a second opinion by asking your real estate agent to tour the home with you. It may seem like extra work now, but by putting a little extra effort into the details, you'll help your agent sell your home.