Preparing to Sell

When you are trying to sell, first impressions are everything.

Working from the outside to the inside, take an objective look at your home and note any improvements that can be made. Taking care of the little things early on in your home selling process can mean a faster sale and higher offer once your home has been listed.

On the outside, patch any cracks in the sidewalk, driveway or stairs to the home. Make sure gutters are straight and clean. Put a fresh coat of paint on the house if the color is dirty, faded or peeling. Keep the lawn mowed and trimmed. Pick up any toys, lawn decorations or landscaping materials. If you are able, plant flowers or set out pots of flowers for a little curb appeal.

When a homebuyer walks in the door, they want to feel as though they are already at home. Appeal to the senses by greeting visitors with the scent of fresh flowers or freshly baked bread or cookies. Open all curtains to let the light in, through the freshly washed windows. Add visual space by de-cluttering the home; put extra furniture, toys and other unused odds and ends, especially those stored in closets, into a rented storage unit. Prospective homebuyers will look into closets and kitchen cabinets, so make sure those spaces are clean as well. Take care of the little maintenance tasks you've been meaning to do –: fix doorknobs, tack down carpeting, change out light bulbs. One of the least expensive ways to brighten a room and enhance a home's value is to apply a fresh coat of paint.

Once you've prepared your home, you'll want to work with a real estate professional on pricing your home to sell. For a few tips on "Pricing Your Home" see the next section.