It is always a good idea to spruce up the exterior and the interior of your home before listing it for sale. But that does not mean you have to undertake major and / or expensive project. Just a little effort will greatly increase the perceive value of your home. After all, if you wanted to undertake a larger-scale project, you probably would not be selling.
Here are some simple steps you can take to increase the perceived value of your home and make a great first impression. Please check the videos and links in this page for further improvements to your property.
Exterior Appearance
- Keep lawns cut
- Trim edges and shrubs
- Weed and edge gardens
- Clear driveway and clean up oil spills
- Clean out garages
- Power wash driveway
- Touch up paints
- Plant colorful, inexpensive flowers - in pots if necessary
At the Front Door Appearance
- Clean porch and foyer
- Ensure door bell works
- Repair any broken screens
- Fresh paint or varnish front door
- Repair door locks and key access
Create a Buying Mood
- Make sure your home smells fresh and clean
- Turn on all lights during showings
- Turn on air conditioner / heater
- Open the drapes during daytime
- Light the fireplace
Create Space
- Clear halls and stairs of clutter
- Store surplus furniture
- Clean kitchen counter and stove top
- Clear closets of unnecessary clothing and stuff
- Remove empty boxes and containers
- Put away personal photos so buyers can envision the house as theirs.
Maintenance
- Repair leaking taps and toilets
- Clean furnace and filters
- Tighten door knobs and latches
- Repair cracked plaster
- Apply fresh coat of paint or a touch-up where necessary
- Clean and repair windows
- Repair seals around tubs and basins.
- Replace defective light bulbs
- Oil squeaking doors
- Repair squeaking floor boards
Miscellaneous Clean Jobs
- Clean and freshen bathrooms
- Clean fridges and stoves (in and out)
- Clean around heating vents
- Clean washers and dryers
- Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds
- Eliminate pet odors and stains
Value of Your Home
The single most important decision you will have to make is to set the right asking price for your property. You have to understand that today's Buyers are more educated and up-to-date about the market simply because the information about the recent sold properties and the latest market data are readily available. Determining the reasonable asking price for your property works for your advantage for a number of reasons including:
- Your home does not lose its marketability
- Other Realtors will be more enthusiastic showing a property priced right and close to the market value
- Your property will sell faster because it is exposed to more qualified buyers
- Proper pricing results to more activities
- More activities may lead to competing offers
- Competing offers would lead to MORE MONEY FOR YOU.
The opposite will be true for over-pricing a home. It is all about you whether you would like to be on the Solds' Side or on the Expired Listing Side.
Real Estate Forms
Home Inspection
- Be pro-active. Reduce the chance of surprises and difficult renegotiations by having a professional inspector inspect prior to listing a home. In this manner you can close the deal cleanly and smoothly
- Know the details about your home from the professional detail home inspection report that you would get in order to share with your REALTOR® who will assist you in making an informed decision
- Minimize all the surprises that may come after a buyer appointed a home inspector to inspect your property.
For more information to represent you on selling your home, do not hesitate to contact Najib Shams.
