How to Prepare Your Home for Sale - By Collegeville Real Estate Agent - Glen Russell

What more could any seller want than to get their home sold for top dollar in a short amount of time with no hassles?

I have a few suggestions for sellers before you put your home on the market that will help you find your way to a successful sale!

The main goal is to simplify and depersonalize your home. This will do two things. It will make your home show more spacious, and it will also be a blank slate for potential buyers to see their own ideas they have for the future.

My first suggestions are just non specific basic ideas.

1. Air out your home. Many buyers are turned off by even the smallest odors. Chances are because you live there, you may not notice any smells. If you have any dogs, cats, young children in diapers, or if you are a smoker, this is crucial.

2. Get Carpets Cleaned. Now is the best time to do this. Bare floors should also be waxed and polished. Replace anything that is not fixable through cleaning.

3. Clean/Wipe Down all Woodwork - Doors & Cabinets especially. Use something such as Old English or Liquid Gold

4. Air Conditioners - Replace or clean a/c filters. Clean ALL a/c vents and intake grids. Also, Keep A/C no Hotter than 75, and no cooler than 70.

5. Air Fresheners - Keep on in EVERY room, however, you should stay away from FLORAL scents because they tend to be TOO harsh. A safe bet is usually vanilla or cinnamon.

6. Repaint Walls - In a neutral color such as antique white. Paint is your best improvement investment. Presentation is the most important thing when trying to sell a home.

7. Window Ledges - Clear them of anything, especially if they're cluttered. You always want buyers to get a nice big glimpse of inside and out.

8. Clutter - Ask Yourself "is there anything that is NOT going to make the move." Take your list and throw everything out. Don't wait until the move for you to get rid of excess belongings.

9. Think Positive - Your House WILL sell. Start packing small things that you don't use on an everyday basis. When moving day does come, you will be very thankful you did this.

10. Keep it Simple - NOTHING should touch the floor unless it is a piece of furniture. Remove all baskets, luggage etc. The more floor space the buyer can see the better.

INTERIOR*****

Lighting:

• Upgrade the Wattage in all light fixtures to the highest level safety will allow.
• Dust or Wash all light fixtures & Fans
• Turn on all lights in the evening to "invite" potential buyers

Windows:

• Dust blinds, windowsills, and plant ledges
• Remove ANY cobwebs inside & outside
• Clean inside and outside of all windows or glass doors
• Take screens off before washing them, and leave the screen OFF the front of the house.
• ALWAYS keep blinds or shades pulled open and curtains removed to allow the most possible light.

Bathrooms:

• Clean all tubs, toilets, sinks, & shower curtains. Then polish the sinks with lemon or vegetable oil.
• Store unused shampoo's, soaps, sponges, razors etc. under the sink or somewhere else.
• Store Laundy Hamper in a closet.
• Rugs & lid cover should be removed.
• MAYBE leave 1 or 2 decorations if any. KEEP IT SIMPLE.
• Linen Cabinets should be organized & never crowded.
• Bathtubs, Sinks, & Showers should be freshly caulked. Grout and tile should be in good condition. There should be NO LEAKS in any faucet. And it's smart to bleach discolored grout.
• Remove any wallpaper that is not conservative & plain. There is no need to re-paper. Just paint it antique white.
• Decorate with conservative colored towels.

Kitchen:

• Keep all flat surfaces (Counters, Applianes, Furniture) cleared off as much as possible.
• Review your kitchen as if you were a health insepctor.
• Remove all magnets, notes, pictures from the front and side of the refrigerator.
• Store your trashcan in the pantry.
• Replace any broken appliances, repair squeaks, drips or binds in cabinet drawers.
• Throw out any old food and leftovers from fridge.
• If it hasn't been used in months - PUT IT AWAY

Utility Room

• Organize shelves & put away non-cleanser items
• Keep area clear of clothes

Living Area

• Make sure there is not too much furniture
• Take down personal photo's & patch nail holes & paint
• Clear away all magazines, books, and any other objects from furniture throughout the house.
• Open the Curtains
• Set out FRESH flowers
• If you have a fireplace, Clean it and remove any items that are in front of it.
• Create an easy going relaxed atmosphere

Bedrooms

• The master Bedroom is the 2nd most important room is the house.
• Define each area (sleeping, dressing, etc) Keep areas simply furnished
• Clothes always need to be hung up.
• Store off-season clothes somewhere else - Make closets seems larger & more appealing

EXTERIOR*****

House:

• Thoroughly sweep down all exterior sides of house
• Remove window screens & keep windows clean at all times
• Check for any broken roof shingles
• Put away tools, garbage cans, hoses, toys, grills, etc.

Yard:

• Keep lawn mowed, weed free, and well edged.
• Trim tree's and shrubs
• Clean out flower beds and invest in a few flats of colorful flowers & mulch beds

Front Entry Porch:

• Be sure front door area is clean & free of dirt, dust & cobwebs
• Repaint door and trim
• Add a new THICK welcome mat - keep it clean
• Make sure doorbell is working properly

Garage:

• Drastically clean & reorganize

Obviously this isn't everything you could do to help your house sell. But it is an awesome start & you would be way ahead of the competition. If you would like any more tips, Please call me anytime!

Make it an Awesome Day!

Glen Russell

610.792.3000

WWW.GlenRussell.Com