A "To Do" List for Selling Your Home

You've made the hardest or easiest decision; you are selling your house. What do you do now? To many, this process can be overwhelming, but it can be easier if you view selling your home as a giant "to do" list.

Since you're moving, first pack your home to the bare necessities. Most realtors advise against showing an empty house but a decluttered one is perfect. Ideally, pack up everything you won't need for at least 1 - 2 months. You might even rent a storage unit for a few months for your not-needed-right-now belongings. If this is not feasible, then store your belongings neatly in your attic or garage. Having your belongings out of the way will give potential home buyers a true sense of how much space they will have. As an added bonus, when your home sells, most of the packing is done!

Next, start cleaning the home from the ceiling to the floor, and don't forget the windows. Do what your mother might have done - give your home the white glove test. Consider professional cleaning if possible: floors, walls, exterior walls, and tiles. If the carpeting is badly stained, consider replacing it or writing a carpet allowance in the final sale of the home. Then start all your repairs, replace anything broken or damaged, and repair or update fixtures. When repairing, if your walls are dark or bright, consider painting them white or neutral. Just because you liked the living room in red because it matched your couch doesn't mean a potential buyer will! This part is a judgment call, as deep hues might set your home apart.

Now walk around or even drive by your house and make sure it has "curb appeal". You may want to clean or paint the exterior. Clean the outside windows, mow the lawn, trim the landscaping, weed the flower beds, sweep the walkways, remove the garbage from the property, and make sure the driveway is in good shape. If your home looks good to you, then it's probably ready for the "For Sale" sign.

Next thing on the "to do" list? Contact Sandy's Team at (225) 677-SOLD or email info@sandyco.com Whether you are a buyer or a seller, we are here it help you in East Baton Rouge, Livingston Parish, and Ascension Parish.