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A house that "sparkles" on the surface will
sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally
well-maintained. From experience, REALTORS® also know that a "well-polished"
house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price.
Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for
home because if what they can see is maintained, what they can't see has
probably also been maintained.
In readying your property for sale, consider:
How Much Should You Spend
In preparing your real estate for the market, spend as
little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof,
but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There
is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive "polishes"
and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new knobs on
cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing
extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen.
Your REALTOR®, who is familiar with buyers' expectations
in your neighborhood, can advise you specifically on what improvements
need to be made. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.
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Maximizing Exterior and Curb Appeal
Before putting your house on the market, take as much
time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior
and interior appeal.
Enhance your home's exterior and curb appeal by:
- Keeping the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly
- Trimming hedges, weeding lawns and flowerbeds, and pruning trees regularly
- Checking the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks
and crumbling
- Inspecting doors and windows for peeling paint
- Cleaning and aligning gutters
- Inspecting and cleaning the chimney
- Repairing and replacing loose or damaged roof shingles
- Repairing and repainting loose siding and caulking
- During spring and summer months considering adding a few showy annuals,
perhaps in pots, near your front entrance
- Re-sealing an asphalt driveway
- Keeping your garage door closed
- Storing RVs or old and beaten up teens' jalopies elsewhere while the
house is on the market
- Applying a fresh coat of paint to the front door
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Preparing the Interior
Enhance your properties interior by:
- Giving every room in the property a thorough cleaning, as well as
removing all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger
and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms have actually rented
storage garages and moved half their furniture out, creating a sleeker,
more spacious look.
- Hiring a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks while
the house is on the market. This may be a good investment for owners
who are busy elsewhere.
- Removing the less frequently used, even daily used items from kitchen
counters, closets, and attics, making these areas much more inviting.
Since you're anticipating a move anyhow, holding a garage sale at this
point is a great idea.
- If necessary, repainting dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with
a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral
scheme can be applied to carpets and vinyl flooring.
- Checking for cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and
basement.
- Repairing cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper,
paint, and tiles.
- Replacing broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork.
- Inspecting and repairing the plumbing, heating , cooling, and alarm systems.
- Repairing dripping faucets and showerheads.
- Buying showy new towels for the bathroom, to be brought out only when
prospective buyers are on the way.
- Sprucing up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by investing
in new cabinet knobs, new curtains, or a coat of neutral paint.
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