| Preparing your home for sale As a Seller you don't need to spend big to get your house into tip-top shape. There's plenty that can be done at no cost, or low cost, to make your home more attractive to prospective buyers. With lots of inventory currently on the market it is important to focus on the things that will have the biggest impact and begin to build that competitive edge. Curb appeal. Park where a potential buyer would park and have a look. Is it a clean and tidy approach to the front door? Improvements can include storing any unnecessary items, pressure washing the walks, decks and house, cutting the grass and weeding the gardens and possibly even replacing the front door. And don't forget to clean the gutters, with our inclement weather it's important that the home shows good drainage. The main focus should always be on a clutter free, sparkling home! Begin by clearing away clutter on counter tops, food storage spaces, shelves and closets. Your goal is to create a sense of space in every room. Fight the impulse to throw everything everything in the closet, buyers will look in every nook and cranny. Since you're moving soon begin packing away unnecessary items. Then clean, clean, clean and dust! Look up in the corners and at light fixtures, as well. A clean, organized home also sends a message that you're the kind of owner that doesn't slack on any aspect of home maintenance. Store boxes neatly in the garage or storage space. Fix any minor home maintenance items such as dripping sinks, sticky doors, etc. A little elbow grease goes a long way! If you're fortunate enough to have hardwood floors make them shine! Hardwood is expensive and should be showcased. Lighten and brighten your home by cleaning the windows and having all the shades up during showings. Check to make sure all your light bulbs are working and replace low wattage bulbs with high watt ones to ensure the place feels bright. Do not remove screens as buyers like to see that the home has them. Walls are the bones of your home, and it's great if they look fresh. Painting is relatively inexpensive if you do it yourself and has a huge impact on the way a place looks. Avoid non-neutral colors like red, purple, pink or loud yellow since they don't appeal to the majority of people. Also, white can feel stark and cold which doesn't add to the appeal of a room. Wayne has worked with several good, reputable companies that have staged homes to showhome condition. The above tips are ones that he has seen them put into practice, but if you choose to do it yourself you'll be able to present a great home while still maintaining it in comfort as your home, for awhile, anyway! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||