Do you need to sell your home but don't want to take a loss? It's a common dilemma in today's upside down real estate market. Here's what you can do to increase the odds of selling quickly and for more money:
Update. It's cheaper and easier to update your home than you think. Whether it was last decorated in the 60's or the 80's, painting walls and refinishing floors are inexpensive ways to bring your home into the 21st century. Removing wallpaper is a dreaded home improvement job, but it's free and well worth the effort. Neutral yet contemporary paint colors instantly update the walls. Pulling up old carpeting and polishing hardwood floors is a quick fix, as is switching out kitchen & bath fixtures, pulls and knobs. If your budget allows, upgrade your appliances.
Organize. Of course clearing excess clutter will make the house appear more open and spacious. However, shoving everything into drawers and closets as if an unexpected guest had just rung the bell is
not an option. Instead, go through each and every closet, cubbie and drawer to root out and properly dispose of all unused, unwanted and expired items. Pack up valuables and personal items. Find a safe concealed place for prescriptions and financial information. Re-organize whatever's left. Don't forget to de-clutter the garage, shed, attic & basement to highlight all available storage space.
Clean. Never underestimate the power of a clean house. Whether you hire a house cleaning service or enlist the help of family and friends, your home will need to be 'spring-cleaned' from top to bottom. Dust, scrub or wipe all surfaces. Wash windows inside & out. Clean floors with a steam mop (it works well on all surfaces and uses only water). Avoid harsh cleaning supplies and room-deodorizers. Change your vacuum bag and furnace filter. Open windows for adequate ventilation. Powerwash the siding, deck and porch if necessary.
Landscape. Whether you hire a crew or do it yourself, landscaping is one of the best bangs for your buck when it comes to staging your home for sale. Be sure to remove overgrown, dead or dying shrubs and trees and trim back healthy ones. Plant popular, maintence-free fountain grasses. Spead dark mulch to cover weeds and rocks while creating a defined border around your bushes. Keep the lawn mowed and watered. Place colorful plants in large pots near your front door to draw attention to the entrance.
Make an entrance. You'll never have a second chance to make a first impression. That's why it's so important to pay attention to the entryway. Potential buyers will spend more time at the front door than almost anywhere else in your home. Focus on safety first and repair or replace any unsteady handrails, steps, paths, porches or stoops that lead to the entrance. De-clutter and spruce up the area. Put a large, dark doormat outside the door and place a large, dark, non-slip rug in the foyer. Replace lightbulbs and/or light fixtures. Make sure the address numbers are visible and the doorbell works.
Depending on the condition of your home, allow a minimum of 6 weeks to accomplish all of the above. Just know that everything you do to enhance your home before you put it on the market, will improve it's chances of selling faster and for more money. For help with home staging, contact Patty at
http://www.pattyclearsclutter.com/
