Ready, set, sell! After all there’s a Stoneridge property calling you home, right? We’ve put together a check lists to help you start the process of selling your current home.
Buyer’s Eyes
· Take a tour of your own home with the critical eye of a prospective buyer. Go through each room and take note of any issue areas.
· Consider having an inspection for needed repairs done by a professional. Then determine if anything needs completed by a contractor or it can be diy’d.
· Research your home’s current market value. Look into getting an appraisal or get advice from real estate professionals.
· Start downsizing: Sell, donate, recycle or dump items you don’t need.
View from the Street
First impressions really do matter. You want to get a potential buyer’s attention from the start. If they like what they see on the outside, they’ll take the time to look inside and learn more about the offering.
· Does anything need painted? How’s the trim, doors, shutters?
· Does the siding need power washed and do the windows need cleaned?
· How about the roof? Any repairs needed?
· Do the address numbers or the welcome mat for the front door need replaced?
· Any cracks in the driveway or sidewalk that need repaired?
· Other areas to review:
· Clean out the gutters and downspouts
· Trim any trees or shrubs and rake leaves.
· Consider adding flowers or update with shrubs.
· Keep up on regular lawn maintenance – keep it mowed, watered and fertilized.
· Remove any clutter from site like toys or yard equipment.
· Pick-up after pets.
Deep Clean and Depersonalize
Systematically clean the whole house from top to bottom. A room by room approach is most efficient.
· Clear out excess or oversized furniture.
· Store away as much as you can including photos and other personal items.
· Organize closets.
· Dust from top to bottom.
· Repair cracks and holes in the walls and tackle any other minor repair issues.
· Make sure fireplaces are in working order.
· Freshen up interior walls with neutral paint colors.
· Scrub tile, clean hardwood floors and steam clean carpets and drapes.
· Consider replacing flooring that’s worn or stained.
· Arrange furniture to maximize spaces.
Give Kitchens and Bathrooms Extra TLC
The most used rooms draw the most attention so give them more of your time.
· Replace outdated hardware and fixtures.
· Recaulk sinks and bathtubs.
· Remove stains from sinks, toilets and tubs.
· Clean appliances.
· Declutter countertops.
· Organize pantry, cabinets and drawers.
· Deep clean floors.
Set the Stage
Now that it is all clean, create a welcoming environment. Don’t confuse staging with decorating. You want prospective buyers to get a sense of what their life would be like in that setting – not what a repeat of yours.
· Brighten rooms with higher wattage light bulbs.
· Pay attention to the entry way, front porch and deck.
· Add some potted plants.
· For viewings and open houses, appeal to buyer’s senses.
· Find daycare for pets.
· Open windows and curtains to let in fresh air and natural light, plus it shows off exterior views. Turn off TVs and turn on all the lights.
· Bake cookies or burn scented candles.
· Have light refreshments available.
Get the Word Out
If you choose to work with a professional realtor, they will provide a host of tools essential to successfully selling your home. If you decide to take the do-it-yourself route, you may want to add these to your list of to-dos.
· Prepare a description sheet and assemble important documents like inspection reports, purchase offer forms and homeowner’s association rules.
· Let your family, friends and neighbors help you network.
· Keep them informed of open house dates and times.
· Utilize social media as well as traditional ads in local newspapers and shoppers.
· Use free listings on sites like Craigslist.com.
· Hold an open house complete with refreshments just for brokers and local agents to let them know your home is ready to sell.
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