Selling Your Home? 3 Ways to Get it Ready
Time to sell? Whether you’re contemplating the idea due to a stronger economy, a career move or a lifestyle change, today’s low inventory in the real estate market has created a seller’s market. However, there are still some steps you should take to set yourself up for success. With a dedicated amount of effort prior to listing, you can maximize your chances of appealing to a prospective buyer and capturing the highest dollar value for your property.
ENHANCE CURB APPEAL
First impressions are the buyer’s initial glimpse at your property and an important factor when showing your home. Maintain your lawn and landscape by keeping them mowed, watered and weed-free. The simple act of planting some colorful flowers in your gardens or in a pot by the front door will welcome a buyer to your home. Be sure to attend to obvious deferred maintenance issues such as peeling paint, loose shingles, torn screens or cracked windows.
CLEANLINESS GOES A LONG WAY
Eliminate piles of magazines, newspapers, photos and books. Clutter can give the buyer a sense that there may not be enough storage or that your home isn’t clean or well cared for. A tidy home is appealing, and gives a buyer hope for its potential. Make sure that rooms are picked up, and that laundry is washed and put away. Inspect bathroom tiles and grout, and caulk or bleach them, if necessary. Wipe down appliances, cabinet fronts and counters. If you have pets, use a spritz of odor eliminator spray to get rid of odors that you’ve grown accustomed to.
BRIGHTEN WHERE YOU CAN
A dark home, no matter how well maintained can be less appealing than one filled with natural light. Solutions can be as simple as making sure there are no burned out bulbs. Or perhaps you have a 40-watt bulb in a fixture that allows a 100-watt bulb—maximize it! Trim tree limbs or bushes that block potential light from windows. Paint a dark room in a light-reflecting color—it will transform the space. Finally, clean windows inside and out to allow natural light to reflect into the home.
Carol Linton is an Associate Broker with LintonBingle Associate Brokers, and specializes in luxury residential real estate in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You can reach her at 307-732-7518.
Content for this article provided by LintonBingle Associate Brokers.
