GMAC Real Estate Selling Articles: Preparing your Home for the Market
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Preparing your Home for the Market

Takeaways

  • Look through a "buyer's eyes" when preparing your home for the market.
  • Create as much clear space as possible by removing clutter.
  • Clean your windows and carpets and replace lights with higher wattage bulbs.
  • Do touch-up repairs and spot painting to get rid of signs of wear and tear.
  • Make your home as neutral looking as possible.

Did you know?

  • The smell of your home affects buyers so be sure to remove odors caused by smoke, pets and other sources.
Thoroughly clean your home before showing to buyers. Getting your home ready for a showing takes more than just tidying up around the house. As you prepare your home to be shown to prospective buyers, you must look at it through a buyer's eyes. Your Real Estate Agent will help you spot the little things that buyers will notice - things they might otherwise use to try to negotiate a lower price.

Think about the following when preparing your home to be shown:

Reduce the Clutter!

Remove clutter from all areas of your home to create an impression of spaciousness. After living in a home for any length of time, stuff begins to collect on shelves, counter tops, in drawers, closets, etc. A prospective buyer won't be able to see past your clutter to the beauty of your home. You want as much open clear space as possible, so find a place for everything, and put everything in its place.
  • Arrange clothes neatly in closets. Limit storage on the floor and overhead shelves.
  • Clear off kitchen countertops and keep sinks empty and clean. Remove magnets and pictures from refrigerator for a fresh look. Clean and organize cupboard interiors - potential buyers are always curious about storage space.
  • Don't forget garages, attics and basements. These are often the most cluttered spaces in our homes! A potential buyer will want to look at every room, every closet, and every nook and cranny, so clean and organize these areas for a fresh look.
  • Arrange furniture to give an impression of spaciousness in each room.

Clean and Brighten Your Home

  • Clean window treatments and carpets.
  • Replace worn, stained or smelly carpeting.
  • Replace all lights with higher wattage bulbs and open all drapes.
  • Look up - do you need to repair/paint a water stain or other blemish on the ceiling?
  • Ask a friend or your Real Estate Agent to help you assess your efforts

Remove Odors

If you smoke or have pets, you may not realize it, but your home inevitably has an odor. An odor that potential buyers will sense immediately. Odor removal (and prevention) is essential when showing and selling your home.
  • Consider using an ozone spray that helps to remove odors without creating a masking odor.
  • Empty kitty litter boxes daily and use plenty of baking soda.
  • Sprinkle carpet freshener on the carpet and vacuum regularly.

Quiet Squeaks; Repair Flaws

Check for signs of wear throughout your home. They may seem minor, but flaws such as loose screws, worn paint and crooked drawer pulls will be noticed by a potential buyer.
  • Check walls for smudges, chipped paint and torn or loose wallpaper.
  • Tighten loose doorknobs, switch plates, cabinets, drawer pulls, etc.
  • Fix sticking doors and windows, and squeaking floors and steps.
  • Fix leaky faucets, and remove water stains.
  • Repair or clean caulking on tubs and sinks.

Neutralize Your Home!

Neutral colors appeal to any decorating scheme. You may love the yellow walls in your hall bath and red cabinets in the kitchen, but that may seem gaudy to a potential buyer. Neutral décor, including floor and wall coverings, appliances and fixtures, offers the broadest appeal to home buyers.

Your Real Estate Agent can provide helpful tips for neutralizing your home, while still allowing its personality to shine.

Outside the Home

Your yard is a vital part of merchandising your home. In addition to keeping your lawn well manicured, check the exterior of your home for needed repairs. Review the following tips to make your home's exterior as appealing as possible.

  • Keep the lawn well-trimmed and edged. Keep shrubs and trees trimmed.
  • Rake up loose leaves and grass cuttings.
  • Put away lawn equipment, toys and other outdoor items.
  • Stack firewood neatly.
  • Repair and paint or stain fences.
  • Check exterior surfaces. Make repairs, clean or paint as needed.
  • Clean, paint and repair or realign gutters.
  • Fix broken windows and screens, then wash.
  • Wash down the exterior of the house, driveways and sidewalks.
  • Look at your driveway closely, and repair cracks, chips or holes.
  • Check the roof and repair loose shingles or flashing.
  • Make sure the entry light and doorbell work.
  • Replace house numbers and welcome mat as needed.
  • Paint, stain or clean the front door if needed.
  • Brighten your landscaping with moveable, potted flowers.

Contact a GMAC Real Estate Agent Today

If you are thinking of selling a home, or want to talk with an expert Real Estate Agent, please work with a GMAC Real Estate Agent. An agent at one of our local offices will be glad to talk with you, and help you in all of your Real Estate needs.